The prevalence of colorectal cancer in Beverly Hills is on the rise. While individual of all ages are susceptible to the condition, it most commonly develops in those who are over the age of fifty.
Age is only one factor that can increase your risk for colorectal cancer. Regular screenings are often advised at an earlier age for patients whose lifestyles or family history put them at risk for developing cancer of the colon. People who have a personal history of adenomatous polyps, colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer and should discuss these risks with their gastroenterologist or colon and rectal specialist.
Having an immediate family member who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer often places you at a higher likelihood for developing the condition yourself. Let your doctor know if a sibling, child or parent has colorectal cancer. If the family history includes Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, the possibility exists that the conditions could be passed down through the generations.
Race can also play a part in the risk of colon cancer. African-Americans are at a greater risk than the rest of the population.
Other risk factors include diets low in fiber and high in fat, diabetes, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use and not getting enough exercise. These are lifestyles choices that can be easily changed to lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
Other types of cancers that have been treated by pelvic radiation, such as prostate cancer and various female cancers, can sometimes cause colorectal cancer.
Being in a high risk group does not mean that you will develop colorectal cancer, but simply that the chances of developing the disease are greater. Regular screening should be done when a patient is considered to be high risk, to detect and treat the cancer as soon as possible.
