Colorectal cancer can affect anyone, but knowing your risk factors and taking action can help lower your chances of developing the disease.
Colorectal cancer can affect both men and women. It can happen at any age, but it is most common in people over 45. Perhaps surprisingly, most colon and rectal cancers occur in individuals with no known family history or genetic risk factors.
Some risk factors for colorectal cancer can be controlled, while others cannot.
Risk factors you can’t control
- Your age. The risk for polyps and colorectal cancer goes up as you age. That’s why it is important to start screening at age 45. On-time screening can find and remove growths (polyps) before they can turn into cancer. Screening can also find cancer early when it’s easiest to treat.
- Family history. About 1 in 4 colorectal cancer patients has a close family member with the disease. If you have a parent, sibling, or child with colorectal cancer, your risk is higher. Your risk may be even higher if your family member was diagnosed before age 50 or if more than one family member has had it. Other inherited conditions — like Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polypososis, and MUTYH-associated polyposis — also increase your risk.
- Your health history. If you have a history of certain types of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease, you are at an increased risk. Past pelvic radiation or certain other cancers, like ovarian, kidney, or endometrial cancer, also raises the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.
Risk factors you can control
- Smoking and alcohol. Smoking or vaping raises your risk for colorectal cancer. Drinking alcohol will also impact your risk, especially if you have more than two drinks per day.
- Daily Habits. Not getting enough exercise and eating an unhealthy diet can also increase your risk. Diets low in fruits and vegetables, and high in fats and red and processed meats (like hot dogs or salami) are linked to a higher risk for colorectal cancer.
How to lower your risk
- Get screened for colorectal cancer on time. A colonoscopy can find and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. Other non-invasive screening methods can find cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable.
- Try to maintain a healthy weight and eat a nutrient-rich diet. Eat a healthy diet of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Limit the amount of processed and red meats you eat, and choose foods low in fat.
- Limit alcohol, and quick smoking and vaping.
- Stay active. Try to exercise at least 20 minutes a day, three to four times a week. Pick activities you enjoy, so you stick with them.
By understanding your risk and making healthy choices, you can take steps toward preventing colorectal cancer. Screening, healthy eating, and being active are good ways to protect yourself.
Small changes can make a big difference. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk, your screening options, and when you should start screening for colorectal cancer.
