Colon and Rectal Cancers - Symptoms

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Diabetes. Many studies have identified an association between type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. Both diseases share common risk factors of obesity and physical inactivity, but diabetes itself is a risk factor for colorectal cancer.

Preventive Factors

The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to engage in a healthy lifestyle: Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet low in meat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk for colon cancer. Do not smoke, and do not drink alcohol in excess. It is also important to have regular colorectal cancer screenings. [See Diagnosis and Screening section.]

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Researchers have been investigating other possible protective measures. These include:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used pain relievers that are available over-the-counter and by prescription. They include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, generic), naproxen (Aleve, generic), and the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (Celebrex). Several studies have reported that NSAIDs help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. However, regular use of non-aspirin NSAIDs, even in low doses, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers. Long-term use of NSAIDs can also increase the risk for heart attack and stroke, especially in people who have a history of heart disease.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not recommend the routine use of aspirin or other NSAIDs to prevent colorectal cancer in people at average risk for this disease. (This recommendation does not apply to people who have a family history of colorectal cancer or who are at high risk for developing colorectal cancer due to other risk factors.) Due to the risks of regular use of these drugs, the American Cancer Society and other professional associations also recommend against the use of NSAIDs, or other types of medications, for primary colorectal cancer prevention.

There is some evidence that aspirin therapy may be helpful as secondary prevention after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Recent studies have suggested that regular aspirin use may help improve the chances of survival in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In one important study, patients with early and advanced stage (stages I, II, and III) colorectal cancer who regularly took aspirin survived longer than those who did not take aspirin. However, even a low dose of daily aspirin has risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding. If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, discuss with your doctor whether you should take aspirin and, if so, how much and how often.

Review Date: 10/21/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).