Risk factors for colon polyps or colorectal cancer
Risk factors for colon polyps or colorectal cancer include:
- A family history of colon polyps or cancer of the colon or rectum. The risk is greatest if a first-degree relative (sibling or parent) had the condition before the age of 60.
- More than one first-degree relative with colon cancer at any age.
- A personal history of long-standing ulcerative colitis.
- A personal history of polyps previously removed from the colon.
- Increasing age (beyond age 50). Colorectal cancer is most common in people over age 50. The incidence of colorectal cancer increases as you age. People 65 to 84 years of age are six times more likely than younger people to develop colorectal cancer.1
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: September 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
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