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Risk Factors

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.¹ Other risk factors include:²

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• Certain hereditary syndromes

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

• Lack of regular physical activity^{3 4 6}
• Low fruit and vegetable intake^{3 5 6}
• A low-fiber and high-fat diet³
• Overweight and obesity^{3 6}
• Alcohol consumption³
• Tobacco use^{3 6 7}

References

1. Ries LAG, Eisner MP, Kosary CL, Hankey BF, Miller BA, Clegg L, et al., eds. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975–2002. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2005.



2. National Institutes of Health. Colorectal Cancer (PDQ): Treatment.



3. National Institutes of Health. Colorectal Cancer (PDQ): Prevention.



4. Vainio H, Bianchini F, eds. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol 6: Weight Control and Physical Activity. Lyon, France: IARC Press; 2002.



5. Vainio H, Bianchini F, eds. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol 8: Fruit and Vegetables. Lyon, France: IARC Press; 2003.



6. Curry S, Byers T, Hewitt M, eds. Fulfilling the Potential of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2003.



7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2004.