Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

There are many factors that can increase your risk of getting colon cancer. These include:

-Age: The vast majority of colon cancer diagnoses occur after the age of 50.

-History of colon cancer or polyps: If you are a colon cancer survivor or had polyps, you are at a higher risk of getting it again.

-Inflammation of the intestine: If you have certain colon conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you're at a higher risk for colon cancer.

-Family history of colon cancer: If your family members have had colon cancer, then you are at a higher risk.

-Ethnic background and race: Jews of Eastern European background and blacks are considered groups at higher risk for colon cancer.

-Diet high in animal sources: A diet with a lot of fat especially from animal sources increases the risk of colon cancer.

-Inactivity: People who don't get enough exercise are at a higher risk.

-Obesity: If you are overweight, your risk of dying from colon cancer is elevated.

-Smoking: Smoking dramatically increases the risk of dying from colon cancer.

-Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use increases the risk.

-Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk.