Definition:
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease. Sometimes, this risk comes from something you do. For example, smoking increases your chances of developing colon cancer. Therefore, smoking is a risk factor for colon cancer.
Other times, there's nothing you can do about the risk. It just exists. For example, people 50 and older are more likely to develop colon cancer than people under 50. So, age is a risk factor for colon cancer. (In fact, it's the number one risk factor.)
To learn more about risk factors for colon cancer, please read 15 Causes of Colon Cancer.
Sources:
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease. Sometimes, this risk comes from something you do. For example, smoking increases your chances of developing colon cancer. Therefore, smoking is a risk factor for colon cancer.
Other times, there's nothing you can do about the risk. It just exists. For example, people 50 and older are more likely to develop colon cancer than people under 50. So, age is a risk factor for colon cancer. (In fact, it's the number one risk factor.)
To learn more about risk factors for colon cancer, please read 15 Causes of Colon Cancer.
Sources:
- Colon Cancer: What Causes Colon Cancer? eHealthMD. Oct. 2004. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/colon-cancer/Colon-Cancer_causes.html].
- Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 7 Mar. 2006. 29 Aug. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_colon_and_rectum_cancer.asp].
- Risk Factor. MedicineNet. 29 Aug. 2006 [http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5377].
