Many diseases seem to run in families. Cancer of the colon (CRC) is no exception. Researchers have used the Utah Population Database to evaluate the risk posed to an individual by first, second, and third degree relatives with primary colon cancer. Risks were higher among first-degree relatives. However, second and third-degree relatives have CRC risk if there are no affected first-degree relatives.
PositiveTip: Following a healthy lifestyle of wholesome diet and regular physical activity may delay or prevent the onset of CRC–in spite of family history risks.