What is colorectal cancer and is it preventable?

"Actor James Van Der Beek died on 11 February, aged 48; he had been diagnosed in 2023 with colorectal cancer. According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While rates are declining overall, cases among younger people are rising. This is a curable cancer if diagnosed early, says Dr Deirdre Cohen, director of the gastrointestinal oncology program for the Mount Sinai health system and an associate professor of medicine. It's important to bring any symptoms to the attention of your physician."

"There's no way to guarantee the prevention of colorectal cancer, and it can be a random event, says Cohen. But avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use can reduce your risk. She also emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoiding processed meats like hot dogs and bacon."

"According to the American Cancer Society, high consumption of red meat is also linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. A 2024 study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that people with the highest level of red meat intake had a 30% increased risk for colorectal cancer. In the same study, individuals with the highest level of processed meat intake had a 40% increased risk."

Actor James Van Der Beek died on 11 February at age 48 after a 2023 diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Overall incidence is declining, but cases among younger people are increasing. Colorectal cancer includes both colon and rectal cancers, which are treated differently, and cancer can occur in both locations. The disease can be curable if diagnosed early, so reporting symptoms to a physician is important. Risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol use, high red and processed meat intake, and low fruit and vegetable consumption. A 2024 study linked high red meat intake with a 30% increased risk and high processed meat intake with a 40% increased risk.

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