Who is at High Risk of Colorectal Cancer?

Some illnesses and inherited conditions increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer. For people with these conditions, a more thorough screening program is recommended.

Conditions associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer include:

• a personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps

• a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, which cause inflammation in the lining of the colon)

• a personal history of ovarian or endometrial cancer

• a family history of colorectal cancer or colonic polyps

Although they account for only five percent of colorectal cancers, a number of inherited genetic conditions increase some people’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. People who have these inherited conditions or any of the high-risk conditions listed above should have a colonoscopy.

• Genetic conditions associated with colorectal cancer
• Testing for women with an increased risk of colorectal cancer

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