Risk factors
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Like other cancers, the risk of developing colorectal cancer depends on a number of risk factors that varies among individuals. In fact, many of the risk factors for colorectal cancer are linked to our diet and lifestyle habits. If you have any of the factors listed below, it does not mean that you will have colorectal cancer, but it means that your risk of developing colorectal cancer may be higher than the average.
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Lifestyle risk factors include:
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Low fibre intake
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High consumption of red and processed meat
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Lack of physical activity
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Obesity
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Alcohol consumption
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Smoking
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Other risk factors include:
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Men at or above the age of 50
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Some hereditary bowel diseases, e.g. familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch Syndrome (formerly known as Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer, HNPCC)
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A long history of inflammation of the bowel, e.g. ulcerative colitis
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History of colonic polyps
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Family history of colorectal cancer, particularly in close relatives (parents, siblings or children)
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