Understanding colorectal cancer is an important part of staying healthy. It can affect
anyone but knowing your specific risk factors can help.
A risk factor is anything that may boost your chances of having a disease. There are
some risk factors that you can’t control. This includes your family history. But you
can change other risk factors. This includes smoking and eating certain foods
Anyone can get colorectal cancer. But there are some factors that can increase your
risk. Here are some common ones:
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Age. Older people are most likely to have colorectal cancer. But it can occur at any age.
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Race and ethnicity. American Indian, Alaska Native, and African Americans have the highest risk for colorectal
cancer in the U.S. Jews whose families are from Eastern Europe (Ashkenazi Jews) have
one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world.
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Sex. Men are slightly more likely to have this cancer than women.
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History of colorectal polyps. Polyps are growths in your colon and rectum. They are common in adults older than
age 50. They're often benign, which means they are not cancer. But over time, polyps
can turn into cancer. Some polyps are called adenomas. If you have had these removed
in the past, you are more likely to get colorectal cancer.
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Person history of colorectal cancer or other cancers. If you previously had colorectal cancer, you have a higher risk of getting it again.
This is also true if you had cancer of the uterus or ovaries.
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Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Also called inflammatory bowel disease, these conditions can cause an inflamed colon
lining.
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Family history. A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps in a close relative like a parent,
sibling, or child increases your risk. Your risk is even higher if your relative was
diagnosed before age 50. It’s also higher if more than one relative was diagnosed.
But most people with colorectal cancer don’t have a family history.
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Certain inherited syndromes. There are some syndromes that carry a higher risk of colorectal disease. These include
familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome (also called hereditary nonpolyposis
colon cancer).
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Weight. Colorectal cancer is more common in people who are overweight or obese. This is even
more true for men.
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Being less active. People who are less physically active have an increased risk for the disease. Experts
recommend that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each
week.
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Diet. Eating a lot of red meat has been linked to an increased risk for colorectal cancer.
This includes beef, pork, lamb, and veal. Diets high in processed meats, such as hot
dogs and lunch meats, also increase risk. Instead, your meals should include plenty
of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid red and processed meats.
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Alcohol use. People who drink more alcohol are more likely to get colorectal cancer. For men, limit
yourself to two drinks per day. For women, stop at one. It’s best not to drink alcohol
at all.
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Type 2 diabetes. Research has shown a link between type 2 diabetes and a higher risk for colorectal
cancer.
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Smoking. Smoking raises your risk for colorectal cancer. Don’t use tobacco products. Talk with
your provider if you need help quitting.
A healthy lifestyle can go a long way in limiting your risk factors. But no matter
your risk level, it’s important to have regular screening for colorectal cancer. Screening
can find polyps early, before they turn into cancer. It can also help diagnose cancer
early, when it’s easier to treat. There are several options for screening. Talk with
your healthcare provider about when you should start screenings, which type is best
for you, and how often you should have them.