Family history greatly impacts your risk for colorectal cancer. If close relatives have been diagnosed with this disease, it’s especially important to be proactive about prevention and screening.
Why Does Family History Matter?
Several studies show that individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer have about twice the risk of developing the disease compared to those without. This risk is greatest if the affected family member is a first-degree relative—a parent, sibling, or child—especially if they were diagnosed before age 50 or if more than one close relative has been affected. Both genetics and shared lifestyle habits play a role, making family history an essential part of your risk profile.
Understanding Your Colorectal Cancer Risk
Want to understand your colorectal cancer risk? It’s all about looking at a few key things that play into your personal susceptibility. We’re talking about stuff like your lifestyle, your genes, and your past medical history. Knowing about these can help you take charge, manage your risk, and figure out the right screenings and preventative steps for you.
- Genetic factors: Inherited gene mutations, like those linked to Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis, significantly increase risk. However, even without a specific syndrome, simply having a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer elevates your chances.
- Shared environment: Families often share similar diets, physical activity levels, and other habits that can influence cancer risk.
- Prevalence: Roughly 1 in 4 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a relative who has also faced the disease.
Strategies to Lower Your Risk
While you can’t change your genes, you can control many factors to help prevent colorectal cancer.
Routine Screenings
Those with a family history often need their first screening before age 45, sometimes as early as 40 or 10 years before the youngest family member’s diagnosis. At Arizona Colorectal Experts, we offer colonoscopies to help patients take control of their health.
Lifestyle Changes
Eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and reduce red and processed meat. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol, and avoid smoking—all tactics that may reduce your risk.
Consider Genetic Testing
If several relatives have had colorectal cancer or related tumors, genetic testing could clarify your risk and inform your family’s screening plans.
Why Early Detection Matters
Cancers found early—through regular screenings like colonoscopies—are much more treatable. Colonoscopies don’t just detect existing cancers; they actually prevent them by allowing doctors to remove polyps before they turn into cancer. Early and regular screening is the cornerstone of prevention for anyone with increased risk.
When Should You Get Screened?
If any of these apply, talk to your provider about starting screening early:
- You have a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer, especially diagnosed early.
- Several relatives—even those more distantly related—have been affected.
- Your family history includes hereditary syndromes, or you have other bowel conditions.
At Arizona Colorectal Experts, our specialists can guide you on the best schedule and screening options based on your personal and family health background.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings in Scottsdale & Chandler, AZ
Don’t wait to take charge of your health—reach out to Arizona Colorectal Experts in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ today! Schedule an appointment with our specialists to receive expert advice about your colorectal cancer risk and other colorectal concerns.
ACE Clinic
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