The risk factors

The risk factors for colorectal cancer are:

· I am 50 years old or older.

· I am a smoker.

· I have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (tissue that grows out of the lining of the colon or rectum).

· I am obese.

· I eat lots of red meat or high fat dairy products.

· I do not exercise at least 3 times a week.

· I am a woman with a history of breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer.

· I have colitis (chronic breaks in the lining of the colon).

· I have chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions,talk to your healthcare provider.

Source: Pennsylvania

Department of Health