The risk of colorectal cancer increases as a person gets older. This is why experts recommend screening for people who are age 45 or older, even if the person does not have additional risk factors.
Some people have additional factors that increase their risk of colorectal cancer. Some of these impact recommendations for when to begin screening, while others do not.
Risk factors that may affect screening recommendations
Some conditions significantly increase a person’s risk of colorectal cancer. Doctors often recommend that people with these conditions begin colorectal cancer screening earlier than people considered to be at average risk.
While uncommon, certain syndromes that are passed down in families can increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. They include:
If any of these conditions run in your family, you can get genetic testing to find out whether you have the abnormal gene.
People who have previously had colorectal cancer have an increased risk of developing a new colorectal cancer. People who have had adenomatous polyps before the age of 60 years are also at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer.
Having a first-degree relative (a parent, brother or sister, or child) with colorectal cancer increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer. In addition, having a relative who had adenomatous polyps is also believed to increase your risk. Your risk may be further increased depending on how many family members are affected and the age at which their cancer or polyps were detected.
People with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
The amount of increased risk depends upon the amount of inflamed colon and the duration of disease; pancolitis (inflammation of the entire colon) and colitis of 10 years’ duration or longer are associated with the greatest risk for colorectal cancer.
Certain lifestyle factors also seem to increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include:
Modifying these risk factors may help lower your risk of colorectal cancer, in addition to improving your overall health.
As discussed above, improving your diet, increasing physical activity, cutting back on alcohol, and quitting smoking (if you smoke) can all help lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Using aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease may also decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer, but this should be discussed with your doctor to understand the benefits and risks of taking aspirin. Because taking aspirin regularly comes with risks of its own, it’s a good idea to talk with your health care provider before trying this.