There are two strategies to prevent CRC.

The first strategy is to reduce our risk by eliminating the risk factors. From the list of risk factors we can see that by adopting certain lifestyle habits, an individual can reduce significantly his/her risk.

1. Take a diet rich in vegetable, fruits and fibres. Our Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily, each serving is ½ cup.
   
   
2. Reduce intake of red meat especially cooked meat. An average adult should be restricted to 2 servings or less of meat and alternatives daily; (1 serving – 1 piece (palm size) of meat, fish or poultry.
   
   
3. Reduce intake of fat especially animal fat to less than 30% of total energy intake
   
   
4. Exercise regularly 2 to 3 times per week for ½ to 1 hour duration.  Exercises include jogging, brisk walking, swimming, and bicycling.  The intensity of the exercise should leave one mildly breathless.
   
   
5. Take a multivitamin supplement which include folate & calcium regularly
   
   
6. Cut down on smoking!
   
   
7. Cut down on alcohol!
   
   
8. If above 45 years old, go for an annual health check to detect colorectal polyps or cancer.

See Health Promotion Board for further details.

The second strategy is to identify the high risk groups and keep them under regular reviews to detect colorectal polyps and cancer. There is strong evidence to suggest that CRC develop from polyps. Hence by getting rid of polyps we can prevent CRC. Regular screening can also detect the CRC at an early stage and with effective treatment such patients can survive longer.

High Risk Groups:

1. Any male or female, above 45 years old and especially of Chinese descent among the races in Singapore
2. Family history of colorectal cancer
3. Family history of colorectal polyp
4. History of Ulcerative Colitis
5. Past history of colorectal polyp or CRC