There is no single cause of colorectal cancer. Most of the cancers start as a noncancerous (benign) polyp, which slowly develops into cancer.

The risk factors for developing colorectal cancer include:

• Age older than 60.
• Diet rich in red or processed meats.
• Low fibre diet.
• History of colorectal polyp.
• History of other genetically related cancers (i.e. uterus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, kidney and ovary).
• Family history of colorectal cancer.
• History of inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. ulcerative colitis).
• Smoking
• Alcohol

Updated:: 13/03/2019 []