Colon Cancer Risk Assessment
If you answer YES to one or more of the following questions you should:
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Talk to your doctor about regular colon cancer screenings;
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Complete our online appointment request form; or
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Call The Oregon Clinic to schedule a colonoscopy today.
Q. Are you over age 50?
90% of colon cancers are diagnosed in people over age 50.
Q. Have you had inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?
A history of these diseases increases your chances of colon cancer. Be sure you get regular colonoscopies.
Q. Do you have relatives (brothers, sisters, parents or children) who developed colon cancer at a young age?
If yes, your risk for colon cancer is increased. Your doctor may consider genetic testing to determine your risk.
Q. Are you an Ashkanzi Jew or African American?
If so, your rate for developing colon cancer is higher than the general population.
Q. Do you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoid high fat foods?
Diets rich in vegetables and fruit are helpful in avoiding colon cancer. High fat, low fiber diets increase your chances for developing colon cancer.
Q. Are you physically active?
People who do not exercise regularly may have a higher risk of colon cancer.
Q. Overweight?
Being over your ideal weight puts you at greater risk to develop colon cancer.
Q. Do you smoke?
People who smoke have a 30-40% higher risk of dying of colon cancer.
Q. Do you drink more than you should?
Some studies show a link between heavy drinking and colon cancer.
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