5 Factors Raising Your Risk for Colorectal Cancer Revealed

The American Cancer Society recently predicted there will be around 155,000 new cases of colorectal cancer and 52,900 deaths this year. One of the most common cancers worldwide, the disease occurs when cells on the inner lining of the colon or rectum grow abnormally.

Dr. Cedrek McFadden, a colorectal surgeon based in South Carolina and medical adviser to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, revealed five factors that can raise your risk for colorectal cancer.

Family History

Having a first-degree relative — a parent, sibling or child — with colorectal cancer can roughly double your risk of developing the disease. Photographee.eu – stock.adobe.com

“If a close relative has had colorectal cancer, you’re at higher risk. Make sure your doctor knows about it,” McFadden said.

Certain gene mutations inherited through families can significantly increase risk. Lynch syndrome, for one, is responsible for 3% to 5% of colon cancers. The inherited genetic disorder affects 1 in 300 Americans.

Age

Colorectal cancer risk dramatically rises after the age of 50, though diagnoses have been increasing among younger adults. ashtproductions – stock.adobe.com

“While colorectal cancer can occur at any age, the risk increases significantly after 50 (though we’re seeing younger cases more often now),” McFadden noted.

Colorectal cancer rates have been declining among Americans 65 and older, but there has been a concerning rise in diagnoses among younger adults.

Twenty percent of US colorectal cancer cases were in people 54 or younger in 2019, up from 11% in 1995.

Diet

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans” in 2015, citing “sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.” Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com

“Eating a lot of red or processed meats can increase your risk. Add more fiber-rich fruits, veggies, and whole grains to your plate,” McFadden advised.

Processed meats, like deli meats, sausages, hot dogs, bacon, pepperoni, and ham, have been salted, cured, smoked, or chemically preserved to extend their shelf life.

Lifestyle Choices

Quitting smoking can lower your colorectal cancer risk. The longer you smoke, the higher the risk. Eugenio Marongiu – stock.adobe.com

“Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle can all up your chances of developing colon cancer,” McFadden said.

Being overweight or obese also increases colorectal cancer risk because excess body fat causes chronic inflammation that can disrupt normal cell growth.

Chronic Conditions

People with Type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of colorectal cancer because high insulin levels can promote the growth of cancer cells. Kwangmoozaa – stock.adobe.com

“Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis put you at higher risk,” McFadden shared. Like obesity, these illnesses cause persistent inflammation in the intestines that can lead to cellular changes that may become cancerous.

People with Type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of colorectal cancer as well because high insulin levels can promote the growth of cancer cells.

Conclusion

While some risk factors, such as family history and age, cannot be changed, others, like diet and lifestyle choices, can be modified to lower the risk of colorectal cancer. By understanding these factors, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk and stay healthy.

FAQs

• Who is at higher risk for colorectal cancer?
  • People with a family history of the disease, those over 50, and those with certain chronic conditions.
• What can I do to reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?
  • Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
• What are the most common risk factors for colorectal cancer?
  • Family history, age, diet, lifestyle choices, and chronic conditions.