Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The top risk factor is age: Every person older than 50 is at average risk for colon cancer. Other risk factors include:
- A family history of colon cancer
- A personal history of colon cancer
- Long standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Personal history of colon polyps
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diet low in fruits & vegetables
Source:
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality October 2008. 26 Jan 2009.
