Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.  Other risk factors include having:

• Inflammatory bowel disease.

• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.

• A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

Lifestyle factors that may contribute to increased risk of colorectal cancer include:

• Lack of regular physical activity.

• Low fruit and vegetable intake.

• A low-fiber and high-fat diet.

• Overweight and obesity.

• Alcohol consumption.

• Tobacco use.

References:  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

Don't wait for symptoms to occur. Your doctor will tell you whether a simple at-home test or a colonoscopy is appropriate. Both are fully or partially covered by most medical insurance plans.