Originally published: 13.APR.2022
Last updated: 20.SEP.2024
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Conway
Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer, also referred to as bowel or colon cancer depending on where it originally begins, is the third most common cancer diagnosed across the United States. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the risk of developing colorectal cancer is about one in 23 for men and one in 25 for women in the U.S.¹
Although the exact cause is currently unknown, there are both controllable and uncontrollable factors that can potentially put someone at an increased risk of developing it.
What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
A risk factor can increase a person's chance of developing a certain condition or disease. Remember, having a risk factor doesn't guarantee that you will develop that disease; some people may not have any known risk factors and still get the disease, and vice versa.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer that can be controlled
According to the ACS, more than half of all colorectal cancer cases are linked to risk factors that can be controlled.¹ These include:
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Weight: Your risk of developing colorectal cancer increases if you are overweight or obese, particularly in men.¹ Following a healthy diet and staying at a healthy weight may lower your risk.
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Diabetes: Those living with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than those without.¹
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Smoking: Long-term smoking of tobacco is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.¹ Smoking is also linked to several other cancers - if you smoke, it’s important to consider quitting.
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Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use has been linked to colorectal cancer. While it is best to avoid alcohol, if you do drink, the recommendation is for no more than 2 drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. ¹
Risk factors for colorectal cancer that can’t be controlled
There are also a host of risk factors that are out of a persons control, these include:
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Age: As you age, your risk of developing colorectal cancer increases. This risk increases significantly after 50 although cases are rising among those younger than 50.¹
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Race and ethnicity: Statistics show that American Indian and Alaska Native people, and African Americans have the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the United States.²
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Personal or family history: A history of colorectal cancer or polyps in close relatives can increase a person's risk.¹
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Inherited syndromes: Inherited genetic changes or mutations can increase risk, these include Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).¹
What is the number one cause of bowel cancer?
The exact cause of bowel cancer still goes unknown but it typically begins when there is a growth on the inner lining of the colon, bowel, or rectum. These growths are perhaps better known as polyps; these can sometimes turn into cancer over a long period of time but not always.
If you are concerned about your bowel cancer risk, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Related article: Colon Cancer Screening: Is the Fecal Immunochemical Test ( FIT) Right For You?
LetsGetChecked’s Colon Cancer Screening Test can help identify the presence of cancerous or precancerous growths in the bowel by detecting blood that is invisible to the naked eye.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75, of average risk, should be screened for colorectal cancer.³ You have an average risk of colorectal cancer if:
- You have no family history of colorectal cancer
- You have no personal history of colorectal cancer, other cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or any other specific risk factors for colorectal cancer.
The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made individually. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.
If you are concerned about symptoms of colorectal cancer, please speak with your health care provider.
If you have already noted blood in the stool, or any other symptoms listed, you should talk to your physician.
References
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors. Online: Cancer.org
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2025. Online: Cancer.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening for Colorectal Cancer. Online: Cdc.gov
Please note that the following is for educational use only and is not a substitute for medical advice. This content cannot diagnose or provide information about treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or need specific medical advice relating to any symptoms, conditions, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice and do not disregard professional medical advice based on this content. Your healthcare provider can provide the most suitable guidance based on your situation.
