Although the exact cause of colon
cancer is not known, there are some factors that increase a person's risk of developing the disease. These include:
If you're inactive, you're more likely to develop colon cancer. Getting regular physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
African- Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.
The risk of developing colon cancer increases as we age. The disease is more common in people over 50, and the chance of getting colon cancer increases with each decade. However, colon cancer has also been known to develop in younger people.
Heavy use of alcohol may increase your risk of colon cancer.
People with diabetes have a 30-40% increased risk of developing colon cancer.
A diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber may be linked to a greater risk of developing colon cancer.
Parents, siblings, and children of a person who has had colon cancer are somewhat more likely to develop colon cancer themselves. If many family members have had colon cancer, the risk increases even more. A family history of familial polyposis, adenomatous polyps, or hereditary polyp syndrome also increases the risk as does a syndrome known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, or HNPCC. This latter syndrome also increases the risk for other cancers as well.
The risk overall are equal, but women have a higher risk for colon cancer, while men are more likely to develop rectal cancer.
- Inflammatory intestinal conditions
Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.
- Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk
Genetic syndromes passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer. These syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, which is also known as Lynch syndrome.
Research shows that women who have a history of ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer have a somewhat increased risk of developing colon cancer. Also, a person who already has had colon cancer may develop the disease a second time. In addition, people who have chronic inflammatory conditions of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, also are at higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Polyps are non- cancerous growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. While they are fairly common in people over 50, one type of polyp, referred to as an adenoma, increases the risk of developing colon cancer. Adenomas are non-cancerous polyps that are considered precursors, or the first step toward colon and rectal cancer.
- Radiation therapy for cancer
Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers may increase the risk of colon cancer.
People who smoke cigarettes may have an increased risk of colon cancer.
