If you understand the most common colorectal cancer risk factors, you can reduce your chances of getting cancer and increase your chances of catching the cancer in an early, curable stage.
Family history is one of the most significant risk factors.
Individuals who have cancer, colorectal cancer or non-cancerous colon polyps in their family are at higher risk. If you have been treated for non-cancerous colon polyps or an inflammatory bowel disease, you are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Obviously, people who have been treated for colorectal cancer are also always considered at risk for recurrence. Women who have had breast, ovarian or uterine cancer are also at an elevated risk. Diets high in fat and cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.