Precancerous conditions of the colon or rectum include adenomas and hereditary colorectal syndromes. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers. The risk of colorectal cancer goes up as you get older, and if you eat a meat-heavy diet, smoke, or have a family history of the cancer. Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum. On average, the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 23 for men and women combined (4.5%), however, this varies widely according to individual risk factors. Learn more about preventing colorectal cancer in this … Learn more about colon cancer causes and colorectal cancer risk factors. This largely reflects cell DNA damage accumulating over time. Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors. Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum. The Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool was designed for doctors and other health care providers to use with their patients. MSK gastroenterologists have expertise in advanced endoscopic techniques to screen and care for people with colorectal cancer. Understanding your risk factors for rectal cancer … Beyond those universal risk factors (eating food and owning a colon), there are plenty of other elements that may make colon cancer more likely for … They aren’t cancer, but they can sometimes become colorectal cancer if they aren’t treated. However, the following factors may raise a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer: Age. Murphy, N. et al. Understanding your risk factors for colon cancer can help you keep healthy habits and have more-informed discussions with your doctor about colorectal cancer screening. This page covers other factors with the best evidence of an association with cancer risk; this list is not exhaustive. Colorectal cancer starts in the lining of your large intestine, also known as the colon, or in your rectum. A rapid literature search strategy was conducted for all English language literature published before July 2017. A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease, such as cancer. Heterogeneity of colorectal cancer risk factors by anatomical subsite in 10 European countries: a multinational cohort study. INTRODUCTION — Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal disease. A personal or family history of colon cancer or colon polyps can increase the risk of developing colon cancer… Although your risk is above average, colorectal cancer is still preventable. The American Cancer Society estimates that 147,950 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 53,200 could die from this disease in 2020. See data for factors associated with increased risk, decreased or no risk and more. Clin. Damage can result from biological processes or from exposure to risk factors. Other risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer may also cause these precancerous condition. Understanding your risk factors for colon cancer can help you keep healthy habits and have more-informed discussions with your doctor about colorectal cancer screening. 17, 1323–1331.e6 (2019). The tool estimates the risk of colorectal cancer over the next 5 years and the lifetime risk for men and women who are: The Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool was designed for doctors and other health care providers to use with their patients. Age, family history, and other risk factors increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Demographic, behavioral and environmental factors have been associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Hepatol. Gastroenterol. Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Learn the causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. Often, the cause of colorectal cancer is not known.