Age is the number one risk factor for colorectal cancer. More than 90% of people diagnosed with the disease are 50 or older and the average age of diagnosis is 64.
By the time colorectal cancer is diagnosed, it has often been growing for several years, first as a non-cancerous polyp and later as cancer. Research indicates that by age 50, one if four people has polyps.
To learn about other causes of colorectal cancer, please read Fifteen 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].
- Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment. National Foundation for Cancer Research. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www2.nfcr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cancers_colorectal].
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: Questions and Answers. Cancer Information Network. 3 Apr. 2002. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancerlinksusa.com/colorectal/screening_qa/index.asp].
- Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 7 Mar. 2006. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_colon_and_rectum_cancer.asp].
- Overview: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Causes Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 15 Mar. 2006. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_2X_What_causes_colorectal_cancer.asp?sitearea=].
