Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Colorectal cancer refers to cancers of the colon and rectum. Cancer of the colon is a malignancy in the large intestine (colon) that sits in the lower half of your digestive system. The cancer is defined as rectal when it is detected in the last several inches of the colon. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 50,000 people will die from colorectal cancers in 2009. While the causes of colorectal cancers remain unclear there are several factors which may increase your risk.

Age & Race

• When it comes to developing colorectal cancer, age is not on your side. The Mayo Clinic says 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are over age 50.

  African-Americans are at a higher risk of colon cancer than whites and other races.

Personal & Family History

• If you've previously had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps (non-cancerous growths that protrude from the lining of the colon or rectum) you are at a higher risk of the disease recurring at some point.

  You're also more apt to develop colon cancer if a first degree relative (parent, sibling or child) has had the disease. Your risk escalates with each number of family members who has had colorectal cancer.

Genetic Factors

• Certain genetic syndromes passed though family's over a number of generations can increase your risk of colon cancer. These inherited syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis (when numerous polyps gather in the epithelium of the large intestine) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, which is also known as Lynch syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to three percent of colon cancers are thought to be caused by Lynch syndrome.

Dietary habits

• There may be a connection between a low fiber, high fat diet and colorectal cancers. The Mayo Clinic says some studies have noted an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat high amounts of red meat and processed meats.

Obesity

• People who are overweight seem to have a higher risk of developing and dying from colon cancer compared to people who are of average weight.

Lifestyle Factors

• Lack of exercise can put you at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. In addition, people who smoke and those who are heavy drinkers of alcoholic beverages may also be more prone to the disease.

Other Possible Risks

• People who suffer from diabetes and chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as Crohn's disease, are at an increased risk colon cancer.

  Those who have undergone previous radiation therapy that was aimed at the abdominal area are also more vulnerable to colorectal cancers.