Colon cancer is a kind of cancer that begins in the colon, also known as the large intestine. Usually affecting older adults, colon cancer typically begins as small, benign, non-cancerous clusters of cells known as polyps, which form on the inner part of the colon. Over a period of time, some of these polyps could transform into colon cancers.
While doctors cannot exactly pinpoint what causes colon cancers, it generally begins when the healthy colon cells mutate in their DNA, and begin to grow in an abnormal fashion. When the DNA of these cells is damaged, they turn cancerous – that is, cells go on dividing even when new cells are not required. These growing cells form tumors. Over time, these cancerous cells could grow to invade and destroy the other normal tissues in their surroundings.
1. Age
While it is true that a person can develop colon cancer at any age, it is more common among the elderly population. According to statistics, most people suffering from colon cancer are above the age of 50. However, doctors are mystified by the increasing occurrences of colon cancer in younger people as well.
2. Ethnicity
This is something that people unfortunately cannot do anything about. It has been seen that people with African-American heritage are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer as compared to people of other races.
3. Personal medical history
If one has already had a personal history of non-cancerous colon polyps or colorectal cancer, then they are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer in the future.
4. Inflammatory intestinal conditions
The colon’s chronic inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis could increase your risk of colon cancer.
5. Inherited syndromes
Certain gene mutations could increase colon cancer risk. These mutations that have passed through generations in the family could increase one’s risk of colon cancer significantly. However, it can be said that only a small percentage of colon cancers are due to inherited genes. The most common inherited syndromes that increase the risk of colon cancer are Lynch syndrome, which is also known as HNPCC (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer), and FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis).
6. Family history
One is more likely to develop colon cancer if they have a blood relative who has suffered from colon cancer. Moreover, the risks are greater if there’s been more than one member in the family who has had colon cancer.
7. Bad diets
A high-fat, low-fiber diet, which is a typical Western diet, could be one of the prime risk factors for rectal and colon cancer.
8. Sedentary lifestyles
Inactive people have higher chances of developing colon cancer. The risk of colon cancer can be reduced if a person regularly engages in physical activity.
9. Obesity
Obese people suffer from greater risks of colon cancer as well as of dying from colon cancer as compared to those whose weight is considered normal.