What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?
Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older, but getting regular physical activity and keeping a healthy weight may help lower your risk.
Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
Lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer include—
Lack of regular physical activity.
A diet low in fruit and vegetables.
A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats.
Overweight and obesity.
Alcohol consumption.
Tobacco use.
