Indeed, there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of bowel cancer, though the exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown.
As well as being over the age of 60, risk factors include a diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre, and being overweight.
Smoking may increase your chances of getting bowel cancer, as could being inactive.
Some people will also have an increased risk of bowel cancer as a result of another condition, for example if they have had Crohn’s disease in the colon for more than 10 years.