Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Your risk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer increases as you age. That’s why screening at age
45 is important for average-risk individuals. On-time screening can find and remove polyps before they
develop into cancer or find cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

Approximately 25% of all colorectal cancer patients have a close relative with the disease.

• Family History: If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer, your risk increases significantly. This is especially true if the relative was diagnosed before age 50 or if you have multiple relatives with the disease.
• Inherited Syndromes: Conditions like Lynch syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polypososis (FAP), and MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) are genetic disorders that increase colorectal cancer risk.

• Polyps: A personal or family history of certain types of colon polyps can increase your risk
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are linked to an increased risk
• Other Cancers: A history of ovarian, breast, or endometrial cancer also raises the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer
• Ethnicity: African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics are often diagnosed at a later stage of the disease, which can affect outcomes

• Don’t smoke or vape, and quit if you are.

• Limit alcohol (Drinking an average of 2-4 alcoholic beverages per day increases colorectal cancer risk by 23% compared to consuming less than one drink per day).

• Exercise regularly and maintain a health weight
• Maintain a health diet high in fiber with fresh fruits and vegetables and low in red and processed meats (hot dogs, ground beef, salami, etc.)

Staying up to date on your colorectal cancer screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer. Early detection through screening can identify precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer. To learn more about the different types of screening options, click here.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy weight is essential for reducing the risk for colorectal and many types of cancer. 
• Nutrition

• • Choose whole grains over refined grains, and eat foods high in dietary fiber, like apples and whole grains, to help reduce cancer risk. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits may help reduce cancer risk. Aim for five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day. 
  • Limit the amount of processed and red meats you eat.

• • Choose foods low in fat.

• • Incorporate folate-rich foods like kale, Swiss chard, and other dark leafy greens into your diet.

• • Consume milk and other sources of calcium daily.

• • Consider taking a daily multivitamin that includes 0.4 mg of folic acid.

• • Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, and can help boost the immune system and fight cancer cell growth.
• Stay Active: Being active and engaging in moderate to vigorous activity can lower your risk. Try walking, gardening, or climbing stairs for at least 20 minutes three to four times a week. The best kind of activity is the one that you enjoy doing.
• Limit Alcohol: Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum
• Quit Smoking and Vaping: If you do smoke or vape, seek help to quit. If you don’t smoke or vape, don’t start.

By understanding and managing these risk factors, you can take significant steps toward preventing colorectal cancer. Staying up-to-date on colorectal cancer screening, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle are your best defenses. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. Stay informed, stay proactive, and talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors and screening options.