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Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer
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The exact cause of colorectal cancer remains unknown, but development of the disease has been linked to many different risk factors which can be mitigated via simple lifestyle modification, such as smoking cessation, dietary changes, and exercise.
The major risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Age (over 50)
- Personal or family history of colorectal cancer (~20% are considered hereditary)
- Presence of colon polyps (grape-like growths on the intestinal wall that protrude into the intestinal cavity)
- Long-term cigarette smoking (cigarette smokers are 30-40 percent more likely to die of colorectal cancer)
- Diet high in fat and low in fiber
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease)
- Alcohol abuse
- Hereditary conditions such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, a disease in which hundreds of precancerous polyps may develop in the colon; and Hereditary Non-Polyposis, which predisposes an individual to a greatly increased risk of colon and other cancers.
- Ethnic background (for unknown reasons, Jews of Eastern European descent have higher rates of colorectal cancer than the general population)
We are here for education, support and to help you navigate your way through your diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Call (925) 947-3322.
To find out if you're at risk, take this short Risk Assessment Quiz.
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