A number of factors can increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself. In most cases, you can prevent colorectal cancer by undergoing screening to detect and remove polyps from the colon before they become cancerous. This examination is called a colonoscopy. Many factors can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Some are beyond your control, but others can be affected by your lifestyle.