What are the main risk factors for colorectal cancer?
The U.S. National Cancer Institute says a risk factor is anything that increases your chance of developing cancer; having one does not mean you will get colorectal cancer. NCI lists these factors that raise colorectal cancer risk: older age (NCI notes risk increases after age 50); a family history of colorectal cancer; a personal history of colorectal cancer, high-risk adenomas, or ovarian cancer; inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease; inherited conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (HNPCC); heavy alcohol use; cigarette smoking; and obesity. This is general information, not personal medical advice.
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Colorectal Cancer Prevention (PDQ) — Patient Version (opens in a new tab) — National Cancer Institute (NCI)