Colon Cancer: What Puts You at Risk?

Colorectal (colon) cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the U.S. Both men and women are at risk. There are many factors that increase your risk for colon cancer, but there’s also a lot you can do to decrease these risks. 

Here we will look at which risk factors may put you at highest risk for colon cancer, and what you can do to decrease your risk.

Who is at highest risk for colon cancer?

Certain factors can increase your risk of getting colon cancer. Having these factors doesn’t mean you will automatically get colon cancer. It just means that you are more likely to get it. The following put you at higher risk: 

• Personal history of colon cancer 

• Family history of colon cancer 

• Certain genetic conditions

• Inflammatory bowel disease 

Promotional Disclosureinfo_outlined

SPECIAL OFFER

Save over 40% on Qsymia with GoodRx

Discover the once daily Qsymia for weight management. Qsymia is for adults and children 12-17 in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Save now

If you have had colon cancer before, unfortunately you’re at risk of getting it again. Similarly, if you have an immediate family member (a parent, brother, sister, child) with colon cancer, you’re also at higher risk.  

Some types of growths, or “polyps,” in your colon can be precancerous, meaning they may eventually lead to cancer. If you or an immediate family member has had a precancerous polyp, this also puts you at a higher risk for colon cancer.

Some genetic or inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis, may also increase your colon cancer risk. These conditions can be passed down through the family. So if someone in your family has one of these conditions, you may have it as well. But even if you don’t, having it in the family still puts you at a higher risk. 

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your risk for colon cancer will also be higher. These diseases specifically affect the colon and increase your risk for colon cancer.

Any of these situations would put you in the “high-risk” category for colon cancer.  But people who don’t have any of these high-risk factors can still get it, which is why screening is so important (more below).  

What are other major risk factors for colon cancer?

If you don’t have any genetic high-risk factors, then you’re considered to be at “average risk” for colon cancer. But there are other personal and lifestyle factors that may still increase your risk.   

Personal risk factors

Your age, gender, and race all contribute to your colon cancer risk. 

Between age 40 and 50, colon cancer rates start to rise. Rates continue to rise with age. Men are more likely to have precancerous polyps, and they have a higher colon cancer risk than women. Colon cancer is also more common in African Americans than it is among white Americans. In the U.S., African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colon cancer. These differences may be due to a combination of socioeconomic factors, including lack of access to  healthy foods and healthcare. 

Obesity is also a risk factor for colon cancer. It isn’t clear how obesity increases the risk for colon cancer. But some researchers have noted a higher level of inflammation and hormone changes in those with excess body weight, which could play a role. People with obesity may also be more likely to have other health conditions that can increase the risk — such as diabetes. 

Lifestyle risk factors

Certain lifestyle factors also play a role in your colon cancer risk. Your diet, as well as your drinking and smoking habits, may contribute to these risks. Even your physical activity — how much you move (or don’t move) — can contribute to your colon cancer risk. 

How does my diet affect my risk for colon cancer?

What you eat can affect many aspects of your health, including your colon cancer risk. 

A diet high in fat and low in fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables may increase your chances of getting colon cancer. Fiber passes quickly through the colon. Some researchers believe this helps to rid the colon of cancer-forming substances. 

Eating too much red meat or processed meats like sausages, bacon, or ham can also increase your risk. There are several theories about why this is true. But most researchers believe that red and processed meats contain chemicals that damage the lining of the colon.

Are alcohol and tobacco high-risk factors?

Yes, alcohol and cigarette smoking put you at higher risk for colon cancer. Both are known to damage cells in the body. Researchers believe they also damage the cells in the lining of the colon. Even moderate amounts of alcohol intake will increase your risk. And you may be up to 25% more likely to develop colon cancer if you smoke cigarettes. If you have smoked cigarettes for many years, your risk may be even higher. But it's never too late to take steps toward reducing your risk.

What can I do to protect myself against colon cancer?

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against colon cancer is to get screened for it. Screening is important because it may find the cancer at an earlier stage in the disease. Cancers found at an earlier stage are much easier to treat. For the average-risk person, screening is recommended starting around age 45. If you have genetic risk factors, or you have a family member with a history of colon cancer, you may need to start your screening at an earlier age. 

There are different options available for screening. Some are more likely to pick up colon cancer at an earlier stage (e.g. colonoscopy) but are harder to perform. Others may be more convenient to do but are less sensitive in detecting cancer (e.g. stool testing). Your healthcare provider will help you decide which option is best for you.

You can’t change genetic factors linked to colon cancer, like your family history. But there are other changes you can make to decrease your risk. In addition to screening, here are some factors you may be able to change:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables and other high-fiber foods. 

• Replace high-fat red meats with leaner cuts of meat. Reduce processed meats as much as possible.

• Increase your physical activity. This could decrease your colon cancer risk by as much as 25%.

• Cut back on how much alcohol you drink, and try to quit smoking. There are many types of support groups that can help.

• Consider taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Long-term use of these medications may decrease your risk of colon cancer. Researchers believe these medications help because they prevent cancer cells from growing. But they’re not safe for everyone, so be sure to discuss this with your provider first.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Andrea Kemp, MD, MPH

Dr. Kemp is an accomplished board-certified physician with over 25 years of clinical experience. She completed medical school and residency training in obstetrics and gynecology in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Edited by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

Reviewed by:

John Strickler, MD

John Strickler, MD, joined the Duke University faculty in 2011 and is now an associate professor of medicine in the division of medical oncology. His research focuses on precision cancer medicine: identification of genomic biomarkers that predict sensitivity or resistance to targeted therapies and immunotherapy.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts