03/24/2024
By Dr. Steven Gorelick, System Chair of the Digestive Health Institute, Nuvance Health
Colorectal cancer is a common form of cancer that targets the colon or rectum. When discussing your risk of colorectal cancer, it's important that you consider both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Modifiable risk factors are lifestyle choices you can make such as diet, physical activity and smoking that directly impact your chances of developing colorectal cancer. Non-modifiable risk factors include your age, family history, and certain genetic conditions, are not changeable. Awareness of your risk factors, coupled with regular colorectal health screenings, can make a significant difference in early detection and successful treatment of colorectal cancer.
Learn about your colorectal cancer risk. Take a Colon Cancer Risk Quiz now.
Decoding the risk factors of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer in the United States. Understanding your risk factors associated with this disease is crucial for its prevention and early detection.
Certain risk factors increase your likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Here are the following common risk factors that should be aware of:
Age is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, with most cases occurring in individuals over the age of 50. However, studies have shown a trend in colorectal cancer developing in many people under the age of 50. Other risk factors include a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Awareness of the risk factors is empowering, as it enables you to take proactive steps to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer. For example, regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, can detect precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Understanding your risk factors also helps your doctor create customized prevention strategies and provide appropriate recommendations if you are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. These recommendations may include lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthier diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake.
By understanding the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, you can make informed decisions about your health and take steps to lower your risk. If you're concerned or have questions about your risk of developing colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances.
The role of lifestyle in colorectal cancer risk
While some risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as your age and family history, cannot be changed, there are several lifestyle-related factors that you can modify to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in colorectal cancer risk. A diet high in red and processed meats, with a lack of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, increases your risk of colorectal cancer. However, a diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. It's recommended to limit the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks and saturated fats in order to avoid a high risk of colorectal cancer.
Regular physical activity is also important in reducing your risk of colorectal cancer. Engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes a day can help maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk of diseases. Activities such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling can have significant benefits.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are two lifestyle choices that increase your risk of colorectal cancer. It's advisable to quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to lower your risk of developing this disease.
Making these positive lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk of colorectal cancer. These modifiable risk factors are within your control, and addressing them can greatly enhance your overall health and well-being.
Colorectal cancer risk: factors beyond your control
While certain risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, there are non-modifiable factors that can increase a person's susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Three significant non-modifiable risk factors include age and gender, genetic factors and family history.
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Age and gender: Age is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer, with most cases diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50. However, research shows that more younger people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. According to American Gastroenterological Association, colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer-related death among 20 to 49-year-olds by 2030.Gender also plays a role in risk, with men slightly more likely than women to develop colorectal cancer.
Race and ethnicity: According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the Black community, where the rates are the highest of any racial/ethnic group in the U.S. African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. Data also shows a moderate increase in colorectal cancer risk among Ashkenazi Jews. Ashkenazi Jews are twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer when compared to the general population.
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Genetic factors: Those who have certain genetic factors also have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Certain inherited gene mutations, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can significantly increase your chances of developing colorectal cancer.
Family history: Having a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer can also increase your risk. This may be due to shared genetic factors or shared environmental factors within the family.
While these non-modifiable risk factors cannot be changed, it's important to be aware of them and take the necessary steps to reduce your overall risk of developing colorectal cancer. Regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle and early detection can greatly improve your outcomes for lowering your risk factors.
Identifying symptoms of colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection
Recognizing the common symptoms of colorectal cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment. Common symptoms include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's essential to speak with your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Early detection of colorectal cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes and increase survival rates. Regular screenings play a vital role in detecting the disease at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. It's recommended that those at average risk of colorectal cancer start getting screened at the age of 45.
Related content: Is someone being a pain in the butt about colonoscopy screenings? Here is what to say to them.
There are various methods available for colorectal cancer screening, including colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy and stool-based tests such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or the guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT).
At Nuvance Health, we prioritize early detection and offer comprehensive colorectal cancer screening services. Our experienced doctors use state-of-the-art technology and provide personalized care to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Lifestyle adjustments to lower colorectal cancer risk
While some risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of developing this disease.
Implementing a healthy diet is crucial for colorectal cancer prevention. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your meals. These foods are rich in fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and reduces your risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, limit your consumption of processed meats, such as hot dogs and bacon, as they have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Regular physical activity is also important in reducing your risk of colorectal cancer. Engage in regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, for at least 30 minutes a day. Regular physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves digestion and reduces inflammation, which can lower your risk of colorectal cancer.
Learn more about colorectal cancer at the Nuvance Health Cancer Institute.
Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco use are also important lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, so it's essential to drink in moderation or avoid alcohol altogether. Furthermore, smoking tobacco is a known risk factor for various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. If you smoke, consider quitting to protect your overall health.
Understanding the role of genetic testing and counseling in colorectal cancer
Genetic testing is a powerful tool for identifying if you are at a high risk of developing colorectal cancer. By analyzing your DNA, genetic testing can help determine if you have inherited gene mutations that increase your susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Understanding the implications of genetic mutations is crucial in assessing your risk of colorectal cancer.
Certain gene mutations, such as those in the APC, MUTYH and Lynch syndrome genes, have been linked to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Genetic testing can detect these mutations, enabling healthcare professionals to identify individuals who may benefit from closer monitoring or preventive interventions.
Genetic counseling is an integral part of managing your risk of colorectal cancer. It involves a discussion with a trained genetic counselor who can provide information, support and guidance based on the results of genetic testing. Genetic counselors can help individuals understand their test results, assess their personal cancer risk, and make informed decisions about screening options, preventive measures, and treatment plans. Learn more about genetic counseling at Nuvance Health.
The bottom line: Colorectal cancer is a prevalent form of cancer affecting the colon or rectum, with both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Lifestyle adjustments, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, can lower your risk, while genetic testing can offer insights into susceptibility. Age, family history and genetic conditions are non-modifiable risk factors. Early detection through regular screenings is key, and lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Genetic testing and counseling can provide further guidance if you are at higher risk. To learn more about your risk, speak with your doctor about scheduling a colorectal cancer screening.
Learn more about the Digestive Health Institute at Nuvance Health.