Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Colorectal cancer can affect anyone, but there are risk factors that give you a greater chance of developing colon or rectal cancer. Some risk factors are within your control, while others are not. Watch this video and continue reading to learn more about colorectal cancer risk factors so you can make more informed choices when it comes to lifestyle changes and screening options.

Ways You Can Lower Your Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer

While there’s no guarantee you won’t develop colorectal cancer, following these recommendations reduces your risk of colorectal cancer as well as other types of cancer.

• Eat healthier. A diet that includes an excess amount of red meat, such as pork, beef, lamb, or liver, and processed meats, like hot dogs and lunch meats, can increase the risk for colon cancer. To help lower your risk, you should include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
• Keep Weight in a Healthy Range. Obesity, or simply being overweight, can increase the risk of colorectal cancer in both men and women. This is especially true when most of your weight is in your midsection. 
• Exercise. Living a sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical activity can put you at an increased risk for colorectal cancer.
• Stop tobacco use. Smoking is generally associated with lung cancer; however, it can cause other cancers as well, including colon cancer. 
• Monitor or stop alcohol use. Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to colorectal cancer. To reduce your risk, consider limiting alcohol use to no more than 2 drinks per day. 
• Manage type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and tend to have poorer outcomes from colorectal cancer treatment. While you can’t always control whether you develop this condition, by monitoring your diet, increasing exercise, and lowering the amount of alcohol you consume, your blood sugar will be in better control. You’ll also decrease your risk of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors Outside of Your Control

• Personal medical history. Having a medical history of conditions such as adenomatous polyps and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) increases your risk of colorectal cancer. 
• Family history. Certain factors, such as inherited genes, shared environmental factors, or a combination, can cause cancers to “run in the family.” Talk with your doctor if there is a history of adenomatous polyps or colorectal cancer in your family (parent, sibling, child). It might be recommended you begin screening earlier or you may be considered a candidate for genetic testing. 
• Age. Men and women aged 50 and older are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than young adults. However, colorectal cancer in young adults is on the rise. 
• Race/Ethnicity. African Americans and Eastern European Jews (Ashkenazi Jews) are more likely to develop a type of colon and rectal cancer than people of other races.

Reducing the Risk of Developing Colon and Rectal Cancer with Screenings / Early Detection

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the new recommended screening age for individuals considered at average risk for colon and rectal cancer is 45. The change from age 50 is based on research showing an increase in this type of cancer among younger adults. 

Related Reading: Colon Cancer Screening Age Lowered to 45 - How Does This Affect You?

During your annual checkup, talk with your primary care physician about any risk factors you may have. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best time to begin screening. Depending on your individual situation, an at-home colorectal cancer test might be sufficient. 

Related Reading: 5 Important Things To Know About Colorectal Cancer and At-Home Tests

Colorectal Cancer Specialists at Virginia Oncology Associates 

If you have been newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer, request an appointment with the colorectal cancer doctors at Virginia Oncology Associates in the Hampton Roads area. Our cancer centers are located in Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, Suffolk (Harbour View/Obici), Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Virginia, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. We also offer second opinions to help you feel comfortable with the colorectal cancer treatment plan recommended. Be sure you choose the oncology team that makes you feel most comfortable and confident in your prognosis.