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Risk Factors

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.¹ Other risk factors include:²

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• Certain hereditary syndromes

Lifestyle factors that may contribute to increased risk of colorectal cancer include:

• Lack of regular physical activity^{3 4 6}
• Low fruit and vegetable intake^{3 5 6}
• A low-fiber and high-fat diet³
• Overweight and obesity^{3 6}
• Alcohol consumption³
• Tobacco use^{3 6 7}

References

¹Ries LAG, Eisner MP, Kosary CL, Hankey BF, Miller BA, Clegg L, Mariotto A, Feuer EJ, Edwards BK (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975–2002, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, based on November 2004 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER Web site 2005.

²National Institutes of Health. Colorectal Cancer (PDQ): Treatment.

³National Institutes of Health. Colorectal Cancer (PDQ): Prevention.

⁴Vainio H, Bianchini F, eds. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol 6: Weight Control and Physical Activity. Lyon, France: IARC Press; 2002.

⁵Vainio H, Bianchini F, eds. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention, Vol 8: Fruit and Vegetables. Lyon, France: IARC Press; 2003.

⁶Curry S, Byers T, Hewitt M, eds. Fulfilling the Potential of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2003.

⁷The health consequences of smoking: a report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, Ga.: Dept. of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; Washington, D.C.