**6. Risk factors for colorectal cancer according to our data**

One of the most important aims of our study was to establish the risk factors for the CRC epidemic, which is observed now and in Bulgaria. We accomplished this study considering the specific conditions in our country and made comprehensive investigation of the diet habits of all included patients with colorectal polyps and cancer. We estimated and all other possible risk factors. Detailed list of risk factors for development of colorectal cancer is presented in Table 4.

The major risk factors for CRC are dietary as well: consumption of fat food, red meat and meat diet as a whole, smoked and egg-fried food, sugar and sweets, white bread, obesity. The lifestyle has also a significant effect: long lasting alcohol intake (beer, wine, and spirits), tobacco smoking, minimal physical activity, urban life. We noticed and other risk factors for CRC development: *H. pylori* infection, presence of adenomas, diabetes mellitus, and frequent use of laxatives. Probably, urban life increases the exposition to many of the presented risk factors and therefore it is a specific risk factor for development of CRC.
