Certain factors increase your risk of developing colon cancer. These include: 

• Age older than 50
• Personal history of colorectal disorders:
  • Previous diagnosis of colorectal cancer
  • History of precancerous polyps
  • History of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Family history of colorectal cancer, especially before age 60
• Hereditary syndromes
  • HNPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer)
  • FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis)
• Diabetes
• Ethnicity
  • Eastern European Jewish heritage
  • African-American heritage
• Lifestyle factors
  • High-fat diet from animal sources, especially red meats and processed meats
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity
  • Cigarette smoking
    o Heavy consumption of alcohol