Submit to a screening test past the age of 50. If 60% of people aged 50 to 74 had such a test every 2 years, it is estimated that the number of deaths from colorectal cancer could be reduced by 15% to 18%⁵.

It is with this in mind that the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services is currently working on setting up a screening program that will target all people aged 50 to 74. This program will meet the criteria we describe below.

• Persons concerned : men and women over the age of 50.
• Stool occult blood test (FOBT). Either of the following techniques can be used to detect traces of blood in the stool, invisible to the naked eye.

  – Test at guaiac : done at home, it requires taking stool samples, spread on a small cardboard coated with guaiac, a plant substance. The box is then given to the doctor or sent to the laboratory for analysis by a technician.

  — Test immunochimique (TIRSOS): stool samples are analyzed differently. This new test is more accurate because it only detects blood coming from the colon or rectum (and not from any part of the digestive tract, like guaiacum does). In addition, it has the advantage of not requiring restrictions in the intake of food and drugs in the days before the test.

• Frequency: every year or every 2 years.
• When this test is positive, other medical examinations are offered. Flexible probe sigmoidoscopy allows the doctor to observe the lining of the rectum and sigmoid colon (see diagram). Colonoscopy examines the rectum and all sections of the colon. It is performed under analgesic medication. These two examinations make it possible not only to visualize the wall of the rectum and colon, but also to remove the polyps which are there and thus prevent the appearance of possible cancers. These examinations are not only preventive, they are in fact curative.

For people at risk. With a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, for example, it may be advisable to have a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy from the age of 40. Discuss it with his doctor.

• No smoking. To find out about the various ways to make it easier to quit, see our Smoking sheet.
• Rester active physically. Physical activity (moderate and intense) would reduce the risk by up to 50%¹⁷.
• Achieve or maintain a healthy weight. To find out your body mass index, take our BMI test.
• Limit the alcohol consumption. The Canadian Cancer Society advises women to limit their alcohol consumption to less than 1 drink per day, and men to less than 2 drinks per day⁶.
• Eat enough fruits and vegetables and cereals Whole grain appears to help prevent colorectal cancer. These foods contain vitamins, minerals, fibers and antioxidants that help prevent colorectal cancer. Bring variety in order to take advantage of the widest possible range of the beneficial substances they contain (calcium, magnesium, vitamin B9, etc.). A good intake of fruits and vegetables also reduces the risk of several other types of cancer.

  To know more :

  – Special diet: cancer, recommendations from dietitian Hélène Baribeau;

  – Daily anti-cancer reflexes, a booklet by D^r David Servan scribe.

• Limit the consumption of Red meat, delicatessen (salami, sausages, smoked ham, etc.) and grill. Those who eat red meat 7 times a week have an 85% higher risk than those who eat only 3 times a week¹⁷.

supplements

• Vitamin D. In light of the results of various studies, the Canadian Cancer Society has recommended that Canadians, since 2007, take a supplement of 25 µg (1 IU) per day of vitamin D in the fall and winter.⁷. The body suggests that people at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency – this includes the elderly, people with dark skin pigmentation and people who rarely get in the sun – to do the same. during the whole year. Note that recommended dosages may vary depending on age and particular conditions. To find out more, see our Vitamin D sheet.

pharmaceuticals

• Aspirin. Taking one aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) tablet per day may provide some protection. Epidemiological data shows that people who take aspirin often have less colorectal cancer^2,8. Some contraindications apply, as aspirin increases the risk of bleeding.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Besides aspirin, other anti-inflammatory drugs could have a protective effect against intestinal polyps and colorectal cancer, such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, etc.) and naproxen (Aleve®, Naproxyn®, etc.).