Measuring Your Risk

Measuring Your Risk
There are two types of risk factors for colorectal cancer: those you can change and those you can’t. These “uncontrollable” factors include:

* Age. Inevitably, as you grow older, your risk of colon cancer rises considerably. Yes, it is possible for a young man or woman to get colon cancer, but their risk is considerably lower than someone over the age of 50.
* Family History. If you have a first-degree relative (mother, father, sister or brother) who has had colorectal cancer or adenamotous polyps (a precursor of colorectal cancer) before the age of 60, you are considered to be at an increased risk of developing the disease. Your doctor will likely recommend that you begin colorectal cancer screening before the age of 50, sometimes as early as age 40.
* Personal History. If you have any history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, your risk for colorectal cancer is increased.
* Other Diseases that Increase Risk. It you have chronic inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, you are at an increased risk for developing colon cancer. The ACS recommends that you begin getting regular colonoscopies 8 to 12 years after you were first diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, people with diabetes have up to a 40 percent greater chance of being diagnosed with colon cancer.
* Ethnic Background. Jewish men and women of Eastern European descent have been found to have a higher rate of colorectal cancer due to a genetic mutation common in this group. Additionally, there is some evidence that African Americans are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer, but researchers are unsure as to why this is.

If you do have one or more of these uncontrollable risk factors, it is important that you inform your doctor. Based on what you tell him or her, your doctor may recommend that you begin regular colorectal screenings earlier and/or more frequently.

Keep in mind, though, that there are risks factors that are in your power to change. These include:

* Diet. A diet high in fat, particularly animal fats, has been found to increase your risk of colorectal cancer. To lower your risk, the ACS recommends substituting plant-based foods for animal products whenever possible. Also, be sure to have five servings of fruits and vegetables each day and several servings of food from other plant sources, such as grains, rice, pasta or cereal. “Many fruits and vegetables contain substances that interfere with the process of cancer formation,” writes the ACS.
* Exercise. Those who are not active are at a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer. Aim to do at least 20 minutes of exercise a day. It will both lower your risk of colorectal cancer and other diseases, as well as increase your overall fitness.
* Weight. Obesity is linked to a higher risk of death from colorectal cancer. If you are overweight, be sure to speak with you doctor about healthy plans to help you shed the excess pounds.
* Smoking. Smoking doesn’t just hurt your lungs; it is estimated that smoking causes 12 percent of all fatal colorectal cancers. Chemicals in cigarettes and cigars are swallowed and absorbed into the bloodstream, increasing your risk of various types of cancer.
* Alcohol intake. Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Be sure to limit alcohol intake to lower this risk.

So, no matter what your risk is, by changing your diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake and smoking, you do have to power to lower your chance of developing colorectal cancer.