Who Is at Risk of Developing Colon Cancer?
Although colon cancer can strike anyone, there are certain ethnic groups, genetic factors, and lifestyle behaviors that do increase one’s risk for colon cancer. Some of them can be prevented, and some can’t, but what is important is being educated and open with your doctor to keep your risk as low as possible. ETHNIC BACKGROUND African Americans have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the United States. Jews of Eastern European decent have the highest frequency of colorectal cancer in the world. The reason for this is unknown. AGE Since 9 out of 10 people who develop cancer-causing polyps do so after the age of 50, this is current recommended age to have a first colonoscopy. There is a certain genetic condition, which predisposes a person to excessive polyps and an extremely high risk for cancer. These individuals should begin being screened at puberty. PERSONAL HISTORY OF POLYPS OR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) If you have had a previous screening, which was positive for
