What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?
Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older, but getting regular physical activity and keeping a healthy weight may help lower your risk.
Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older. Other risk factors include having—
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- 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 an increased risk of colorectal cancer include—
- Lack of regular physical activity.
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables.
- A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats.
- Overweight and obesity.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Tobacco use.
Asaad and Leah: We’re a Team
When Leah was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, her 19-year-old son, Asaad, put his life on hold to take care of her. They share their story in this video.