Limiting red and processed meats and eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains may help lower your risk. Although it’s not exactly clear which factors are important. Many studies have found a link between red meats (beef, pork, and lamb) or processed meats (such as hot dogs, sausage, and lunch meats) and increased colorectal cancer risk.

In recent years, some large studies have shown conflicting evidence that fiber in the diet probably lowers colorectal cancer risk. Recent studies looking specifically at whole grain intake, however, show that colorectal cancer risk appears to go down as you add more whole grains to your diet.