Are certain patients at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer?
Yes. Several factors could elevate your risk for developing colorectal cancer:5,6 Age: Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people age. Although the disease can occur at any age, both men and women age 50 years or older are at increased risk for the disease. Polyps: Polyps are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum and are relatively common in people over age 50. Polyps are often noncancerous; however, experts believe that most colorectal cancers develop in certain types of polyps, called adenomas. Finding and removing polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer. Personal or family history: If you’ve already had colorectal cancer, you are at an increased risk of developing it again. Also, research shows that some women with a history of ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer have a higher-than-average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Close relatives (parents, siblings, or children) of a person who has had colorectal cancer are also at a higher risk of developing this t
