Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Higher Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

November 7, 2008
Readers:
If you have a higher than average risk of colon cancer, you should begin screening for colorectal cancer earlier and have it more often. You face a higher risk of colorectal cancer if you have:

• A history of colorectal cancer or polyps in the colon or rectum
• A history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
• A strong family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.

If you meet any of these criteria, talk to your doctor about the specific screening recommendations for you.

— Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource