DNA Direct: Your Genes in Context

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COLOSURE™ (STOOL DNA TESTING)

Who Is at Risk for Colon Cancer?

The greatest risk factors for colon cancer are age, a personal or family history of colorectal and other cancers, and inflammatory bowel disease. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will develop the disease, just that you are at greater risk.

It is important to note that about 75 percent of all people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no known risk factors other than being age 50 or older.

Age
Colon Polyps
Personal History of Cancer
Family History of Cancer
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ethnic Background

Age

As a person gets older, their risk for colorectal cancer increases. Over 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases occur in people over age 50. This is why medical guidelines recommend that the average person begin screening at age 50.

Colon Polyps

Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps (growths in the colon). The larger a polyp grows, the more likely it will develop into colorectal cancer. In addition, certain types of polyps are more likely to develop into cancer, regardless of their size.

Polyps are more common with age -- half of adults age 50 or older have polyps. The longer you live, the more likely you are to develop a polyp and the more likely that polyp will become cancerous. Removing a polyp (via colonoscopy) helps to ensure that it never becomes a problem.

If you have had a polyp removed, you are at higher risk for future polyps, so it is important to see your doctor and be screened regularly.

Personal History of Cancer

People who have had colorectal cancer in the past have a higher risk for developing a second colorectal cancer. Also, women who have had breast, ovarian, or uterine cancers may also be at increased risk.

Family History of Cancer

Around 1 in 10 people (10%) who develop colorectal cancer have at least one first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who has had colorectal cancer. There are also some rare inherited diseases associated with colorectal cancer. These patients are generally diagnosed and treated at a young age and re-screened aggressively to prevent and treat colorectal cancer.

If you have a family history of disease, especially if you have a first-degree relative — parent, sibling, or child — who developed colorectal cancer before the age of 50, you should begin screening earlier than age 50.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are inflammatory diseases of the lining of the colon. People who have had either of these diseases for eight years or longer are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Inflammatory bowel disease (or IBD) affects 2 to 6 percent of Americans. People with IBD should start screening for colorectal cancer at an earlier age.

Ethnic Background

Colorectal cancer can occur in anyone regardless of their gender (male or female) or their ethnic background (the countries that their family is from). However, colorectal cancer is even more common in people of certain ethnic backgrounds. People of African American ancestry have the highest rate of developing colorectal cancer in the United States. People of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (Jewish people originally from Eastern Europe) have one of the highest risks of developing colorectal cancer in the world. If you are from one of these ethnic groups, discuss your risk with your healthcare provider.

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get routine screening.