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The American Cancer Society defines a risk factor as anything that increases your chance of getting a disease. Different cancers have different risk factors. Researchers have identified several factors that increase a person’s chance of developing colon cancer (also called colorectal cancer). The American Cancer Society strongly recommends that people begin regular screening for colorectal cancer at age 50.
Family history. Your risk is higher if anyone in your immediate family has had colorectal cancer.
Physical inactivity. If you are not physically active, you have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. This risk increases further if you are very overweight.
Diabetes. People with diabetes are 30 to 40% more likely to develop colon cancer.
Age. Your chances of developing colon cancer go up significantly after age 50. More than 90% of people found to have colorectal cancer are older than 50.
Ethnic background: African Americans living in Virginia have a 20% greater chance of developing this disease than white residents of the state. What’s worse is that African Americans are almost 1.5 times more likely than white Virginians to die from colon cancer.
Smoking and alcohol. Smokers are 30 to 40% more likely than nonsmokers to die from colon cancer. Colorectal cancer has also been linked to heavy use of alcohol.
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