Age (especially after 50)
The risk of colon cancer increases significantly after age 50. However, recent studies show an alarming rise in cases among young adults, often linked to lifestyle and diet.
2. Family or genetic history
If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colon cancer or colon polyps, your risk may double or even triple. Certain hereditary conditions also significantly increase this risk, such as:
Lynch syndrome
, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
These genetic syndromes require early and regular screening.
