Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating Your Risk For Colon Cancer

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How do I assess my risk for colon cancer?

Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating Your Risk For Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is most prevalent in people over 50 years old. The third most common cancer among Americans, it is highly treatable when caught early. Screenings are quite effective for detecting it.

In your health risk assessment for colon cancer, consider the risk factors below.

Age – Colon cancer risk increases as you age. Most cases are found in people over 50, with the average age being 73.

Height – Tall people are at higher risk, thought scientists have not pinpointed why that is.

Red meat – Those who eat more than one serving of red meat each day have a higher risk of colon cancer.

Alcohol – Drinking more than one drink daily increases colon cancer risk.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – People who suffer from IBD for 10 years or more are at increased colon cancer risk.

Family history – Because gene mutations that cause colon cancer can be hereditary, family members with colon cancer increase the risk.

   

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