# What are the main risk factors for colorectal cancer?

Source: https://oncologyistanbul.com/answers/risk-factors-for-colorectal-cancer
Last updated: 2026-07-13

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.

## Verify at
- [Colorectal Cancer Prevention (PDQ) — Patient Version](https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colorectal-prevention-pdq) — National Cancer Institute (NCI) (checked 2026-07-13)

Related: [Colorectal cancer treatment options](https://oncologyistanbul.com/cancers/gi)