This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net
Editorial Board, 12/10 Risk Factors and Prevention A risk factor
is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing
cancer. Although risk factors can influence the development of
cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with
several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no
known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and
communicating them to your doctor may help you make more
informed lifestyle and health care choices. The cause of
colorectal cancer is not known, but certain factors appear to
increase the risk of developing the disease. The following
factors may raise a person’s risk of developing colorectal
cancer: Age. The risk of colorectal cancer increases as people
get older. Colorectal cancer can occur in young adults and
teenagers, but more than 90% of colorectal cancers occur in
people over 50. The average age of diagnosis in the United
States is 72. Family history of cancer. Colorectal can