Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
Know the biological risk factors for colon cancer
Some biological traits are also associated with higher risk of colon cancer:
- Age: Cancer risk rises with age; more than 90% of all cases of colon cancer occur in people over age 50.
- Personal history of cancer: You are at higher risk for colon cancer if you have had it in the past.
- Medical history: Risk is greater in people who have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or who have had adenomatous polyps.
- Family medical history: You may be at greater risk if close family members have had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps. You may also be at higher risk if other cancers, such as uterine and bladder cancer, run in your family.
- Heritage: African-Americans have the highest risk of any ethnic group in the U.S. of developing and dying of colon cancer. Ashkenazim (Eastern European Jews) have one of the highest risks of colon cancer of any ethnic group in the world.
While you can’t change your biological traits, you can take steps to manage your risk. Talk to your doctor about your personal family medical history and your lifestyle to find out how soon and how often you should be screened for colon cancer.
If you’re the keeper of your family’s medical history, “spread the word,” suggests Dr. Sunga. “Let everybody in your family know, ‘We have a family history of this.’ You’ll help not only yourself but your family and your family’s families.”
Roswell Park offers a free online genetic pedigree to help you map your family’s medical history.
Find more information about Clinical Genetics Services here or call Roswell Park’s Cancer Information Program at 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724).
