Who is prone to colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer development is associated with multiple factors such as genetics, diet, and lifestyle habits. Individuals at higher risk include those with a family history of colorectal cancer, those suffering from chronic intestinal diseases, those with poor dietary patterns, those with unhealthy lifestyles, and older individuals. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer has a certain genetic predisposition. If immediate family members have had colorectal cancer, an individual's risk of developing the disease is higher than that of the general population. Particularly for individuals with inherited conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), the genetic risk is significantly increased, necessitating earlier initiation of colorectal screening.

2. Individuals with chronic intestinal diseases: Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease experience long-term inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which can lead to abnormal cell proliferation and increase the risk of malignant transformation. Additionally, individuals with colorectal adenomas or polyps are also at elevated risk; if not treated promptly, some polyps may gradually progress to colorectal cancer.

3. Individuals with an unbalanced diet: Long-term consumption of high-fat, high-protein, and low-fiber diets slows intestinal motility, prolongs the retention time of food residues in the intestines, and increases exposure of the intestinal mucosa to harmful substances. Excessive intake of processed meats, grilled foods, and pickled products introduces additional harmful compounds that further elevate the risk of intestinal carcinogenesis.

4. Individuals with unhealthy lifestyles: Chronic smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the intestinal mucosa and impair normal bowel function. Physical inactivity and prolonged sitting weaken intestinal motility, while metabolic byproducts of excess body fat in obese individuals may alter the intestinal environment. These unhealthy behaviors collectively increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

5. Older individuals: The incidence of colorectal cancer rises with age, with a significant increase in risk after age 50. This is due to age-related decline in intestinal function, reduced mucosal repair capacity, and the cumulative effect of long-term exposure to adverse factors, making cellular malignant transformation more likely.

It is recommended that high-risk individuals adopt a healthy lifestyle, adjust their dietary patterns by increasing fiber intake, maintain regular physical activity, and quit smoking or limit alcohol consumption. Additionally, regular screening tests such as colonoscopy and fecal occult blood testing should be performed to enable early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.