Am I at risk of colorectal cancer if anyone in my family has it? (Query)

A family history of colorectal cancer can predispose you to colorectal cancer.

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Published: November 28, 2017 12:17 pm

I am a 30-year-old male working as a Manager at a finance company. Recently, my uncle who is 67-year-old died of colorectal cancer. I have read that if anyone in the family suffers from colorectal cancer, then every person in the family is at risk. Does it mean I am at risk of colorectal cancer? What are the factors that increase my risk of colorectal cancer? Please answer.

The query is answered by Dr Shabnam Bashir, Associate Consultant Oncosurgery & Robotic Colorectal Cancer Surgeon.

In most cases, if you have a family history of cancer, the chances of suffering from cancer is high. But that doesn’t mean that people with no history of cancer are shielded from getting cancer. If you experience any symptoms of colorectal cancer, then it is wise to get tested for colorectal cancer. However, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of colorectal cancer in a person. It could be lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese or lack of physical activity that can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In addition to this, even your diet has been linked to an increased chance of getting colorectal cancer. Certain types of diets, especially if they include highly processed meat, smoking and alcohol use might up the risk of suffering from colorectal cancer.

Not just diet, exercise and lifestyle factors, there are certain medical conditions that can predispose an individual to develop colorectal cancer. You are at risk of colorectal cancer —

If you have a personal history of inflammatory bowel diseases or IBS.
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.
If you are suffering from an inherited syndrome like Lynch Syndrome or Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). It is a genetic condition that shows no symptoms until a person develops bowel or womb cancer (in women).

Here are other risk factors of colorectal cancer you must know about!

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published: November 28, 2017 12:17 pm

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