Western risk factors

There are several risk factors linked to an increase in colorectal cancer cases.

Here we will describe those associated with a more westernized lifestyle

They include:

• Unbalanced diet – with more or fewer nutrients than those necessary for the body (e.g., rich in red meat and fat, poor in vegetables and fruit)
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Lack of physical exercise 

It is important to note that each of these factors has only a very limited influence on the risk of colorectal cancer. 

However, together and through time, the effects add up, increasing the chance of disease.

The crucial positive point is that:

• These are all factors that can be modified, as they are associated with lifestyles and choices that can be changed to reduce the chance of disease in the future.