Colon cancer can and often does strike people regardless of lifestyle.  Almost 75% of all colon cancer cases occur in people with no known predisposing factors.

There is no direct link between colon cancer and any specific activity (such as with lung cancer and smoking).

Factors which have been shown to increase risk include:
  • Being 50 years old or older
  • A personal or family history of the disease
  • A personal or family history of benign colorectal polyps
  • Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease
  • Smoking
  • Excessive drinking
  • The "Western Diet" - low in fiber, high in fat, particularly with a lot of red meat
  • Uterine, ovarian, or inherited breast cancer

Risk Factors:
LSACCA
Lori Shelton Alliance for
Colon Cancer Awareness