Colorectal cancer risk factors

Colorectal cancer risk factors

The American Cancer Society website (www.cancer.org) contains a wealth of information about the risk factors for developing colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer. Here’s a quick summary:

A family history of the disease, especially in a parent, sibling or offspring.
A personal history of colorectal polyps
A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. (Inflammatory bowel disease is different than irritable bowel syndrome, which does not carry an increased risk for colorectal cancer.)
Turning 50, because more than 90% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older than 50.
A diet high in fat, especially fats from animal sources.
Diabetes can increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer by 30 to 40%.

Other risk factors include lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking and heavy alcohol intake. Most people should get their first colonoscopy at age 50. However, your risk factors may require an earlier screening.