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Contents
  • Common Risk Factors
  • Understanding Genetic Links
  • Lifestyle and Environmental Influences

Are You At Risk for Colorectal Cancer?

Are You At Risk for Colorectal Cancer?

The Big Picture

Understanding the risk factors for colorectal cancer can help you take proactive steps to protect your health.
Contents
  • Common Risk Factors
  • Understanding Genetic Links
  • Lifestyle and Environmental Influences

Common Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. These include a family history of the disease, certain genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome, and chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Lifestyle choices, including diet, smoking, and alcohol use, can also play a role in your risk level.

Understanding Genetic Links

Genetics can play a significant role in colorectal cancer risk. If you have family members with colorectal cancer or genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis, you might be at increased risk. Genetic counseling and earlier screening might be recommended for individuals with a strong family history.
Factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer include family history, genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome, and lifestyle choices such as diet and smoking.

Lifestyle and Environmental Influences

Your lifestyle can greatly impact your risk of colorectal cancer. A diet high in red and processed meats, lack of physical activity, obesity, and smoking are all linked to higher risk. Making healthier lifestyle choices can lower your risk and improve your overall well-being.

FAQs

What increases colorectal cancer risk?

Family history, genetic syndromes, and lifestyle choices.

Can genetics influence risk?

Yes, certain genetic conditions significantly increase risk.

Does lifestyle affect risk?

Yes, diet, smoking, and activity level can all influence risk.

What is Lynch syndrome?

A genetic condition that increases risk for colorectal cancer.

Wrapping Up

Knowing your risk factors can empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
Talk to Doctronic to assess your personal risk factors and develop a screening plan.
Additional References
  1. Sigel K, et al. Cancer screening in patients infected with HIV. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2011; 8:142.
  2. US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, et al. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA 2021; 325:1965.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.