Who Is At Risk: Preventing And Treating Colorectal Cancer
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Who is at risk?
Several factors influence your risk of developing colorectal cancer, including age, history of certain illnesses, the number of close relatives with colorectal cancer, and personal habits such as diet and exercise. The people at highest risk are those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or who have inflammatory bowel disease. But keep in mind that people in these high-risk groups account for just 20% of all people with colorectal cancers. That's why it's important even for people with a normal risk to have regular screenings. The following characteristics affect your odds of developing colorectal cancer.
| Last updated: | April 09, 2009 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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