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What can increase my risk of developing colorectal cancer?
Many things can raise a person's risk for colorectal cancer. Getting older is one of the biggest risk factors.
Several factors can raise a person's risk of colorectal cancer.
Risk goes up simply with age. A personal or family history of colorectal cancer also raises risk. Having had adenomas, a type of polyp, raises risk too. Adenomas can sometimes turn into cancer over time. Inherited genetic syndromes can also raise risk. Examples include familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome. Having chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease for 8 years or more raises risk. Smoking cigarettes raises risk, and so does drinking three or more alcoholic drinks a day. Having obesity is linked to higher risk as well. Black people have a higher risk of colorectal cancer than other groups. They also have a higher risk of dying from it.
Colorectal cancer develops from changes in a person's DNA, the body's genetic material. Some changes are inherited, while others happen during life for unclear reasons. Lifestyle and environment can affect risk as well.
A polyp is extra tissue that grows inside the colon. Some polyps can become cancer, so doctors remove and test them.
Avoiding risk factors a person can control may help prevent some cancers. These include not smoking and limiting alcohol. Regular screening and removing polyps early can also help.
Your care team can help explain a person's own risk. They can also explain how often someone needs screening.
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
More about Colorectal cancer
- Do I need colorectal cancer screening, and what does it involve?
- What does colorectal cancer staging mean, and why does it matter?
- What should I expect during a colonoscopy?
- What tests can diagnose colorectal cancer?
- What's the difference between a stool test and a colonoscopy for screening?
- How often do I need colorectal cancer screening?