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Risk factors
Risk factors are conditions that may increase the chance of developing colon cancer.
| Risk factors you can’t control | Risk factors you can control |
| Age over 50 | Diet high in red meat |
| Polyps | Diet high in processed meat |
| Family history of colon cancer in a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) | Alcohol |
| Genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome | Obesity |
| Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) | Physical inactivity |
| Ethnic background – people of Ashkenazi (Eastern European Jewish) descent | Smoking |
Lowering your risk
You can lower your risk for colon cancer by:
- getting screened regularly
- eating a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables
- maintaining a healthy weight
- exercising
- not smoking
- limiting alcohol consumption
- taking vitamin D supplements
If you have questions or concerns about colon cancer, speak with a primary health-care provider or visit cancer.ca.