Risk Factors

Age: Most people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50.

Race: Black individuals in the U.S. are at a higher risk compared to other racial groups.

Personal history: If someone has had colon cancer or polyps before, their risk of developing colon cancer again is higher.

Inflammatory bowel diseases: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation of the intestines, increase colon cancer risk.

Inherited syndromes: Genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome can increase the likelihood of colon cancer running in families.

Family history: Having a blood relative with colon cancer, especially multiple family members, raises the risk.

Diet: A diet low in fiber and high in fat, typical of many Western diets, might be linked to colon cancer. Diets with large amounts of red and processed meats could increase the risk.

Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of colon cancer, while regular physical activity might help lower it.

Diabetes: People with diabetes or insulin resistance have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

Obesity: Being obese increases the likelihood of developing colon cancer and can also make it harder to survive the disease.

Smoking: Smoking is associated with a higher risk of colon cancer.

Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of colon cancer.

Previous radiation therapy: If someone has had radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat another cancer, their risk of developing colon cancer may be higher.