Lifestyle risk factors for developing colorectal cancer

  • Ageing

  • Alcohol abuse

  • Insufficient fruit and vegetable intake

  • Lack of regular exercise

  • Low fibre and high fat diet

  • Obesity

  • Poor oral hygiene

  • Smoking

  • Type 2 diabetes

Personal and family risk factors for developing colorectal cancer

  • Family history of inherited colorectal cancer syndromes

  • Immediate family (parent, siblings, or child) younger than 60, with colorectal cancer or polyps

  • Inflammatory bowel syndrome

  • Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps

source:
Cancer Association of South Africa website