What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

There will be an estimated 151,030 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the United States this year. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, excluding skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

How do you know if you are at risk of developing this disease? Get to know the most common risk factors and schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your questions and concerns.

Common Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

There are some colorectal cancer risk factors you cannot control, like age and genetics. The good news, however, is that there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.

“The biggest risk factors for colorectal cancer include a family history of colorectal cancer or the presence of other illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease, that significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer,” said Reid M. Ness, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Other risk factors for colorectal cancer that patients can actually alter include smoking, a diet high in red or processed meats, a diet low in fresh fruits and vegetables, moderate to heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, low physical activity, and low vitamin D levels,” Dr Ness explained.

Risks Factors You Cannot Control

Risk factors you cannot control include:

• Age: The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Most colorectal cancer diagnoses are in people over the age of 50.

• Gender: Men are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than women.

• Race: Black people have the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the United States.

• Family History: If an immediate family member (parent, sibling, etc.) has had colorectal cancer, your risk may be higher.

• Genetics: Some rare inherited diseases, like Lynch syndrome, can increase your risk for colorectal cancer.

• Your Health History: If you have had another type of cancer, adenomatous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, type 2 diabetes, or other health conditions, you have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Risk Factors You Can Control

Risk factors you can control include:

• Obesity: If you are overweight or obese, you may have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce your risk.

• Physical Activity: Sitting a lot during the day and leading a sedentary lifestyle may increase your risk. Staying physically active and getting regular exercise may reduce your risk.

• Food/Diet: If you eat a diet high in fat, processed meats, and sugary drinks, your risk may be higher. Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lower your risk.

• Alcohol Consumption: Many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, are linked to alcohol use. Avoiding or limiting your alcohol intake may lower your risk.

• Tobacco Use: Smokers are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than nonsmokers.

What Is a High-Risk Factor for Colorectal Cancer?

The highest risk factor for colorectal cancer may be hereditary. If an immediate family member (parent, sibling, etc.) has had colorectal cancer, your risk is nearly double that of someone without a family history.

The choices you make daily can also increase your risk. Research has shown that the connection between colorectal cancer and lifestyle choices like diet, weight, and exercise is more evident than for many other types of cancer.

“Colorectal cancer is common but can be prevented through lifestyle modifications and screening,” said Dr. Ness. “In truth, the biggest risk factor for colorectal cancer is denial that it can affect you.”