Colorectal cancer: risk factors

The main risk factors for colorectal cancer are as follows:

• Genetic factors, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer(HNPCC)
• Dietary factors (vegetables and fibre are probably protective, red meat may increase risk)
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Long-term smoking
• A history of inflammatory bowel disease