Top 5 Colon Cancer Causes

Colon Cancer is the third most common type of cancer, excluding skin cancer, to be found in the American population today. In 2007, the American Cancer Society estimates the resurgence of 112,340 new cases of colon cancer and 41,420 new cases of rectal cancer. Put all together, mortality by colorectal cancer will amount to a shocking estimate of 52,180.

With this frightening statistic, the whole world must acknowledge the fact that some people will develop colorectal cancer. While this is not a hundred percent preventable, you can however make sure that you veer away from the top causes of colon cancer in order to prevent developing colon cancer in the near future.

1. Age A person who is considered geriatric is faced with numerous syndromes and diseases that come as a result of a degrading health. By the age of 50, it is known that one out of four individuals will develop colorectal polyps. This polyps, if left undiagnosed in a matter of 10 years or so will develop into colorectal cancer, making age as the number one leading risk of this type of cancer.

2. Heredity The genes determine a person’s natural physical make-up; heredity increases the possibility of an individual developing a certain familial disease, primarily cancer. Oncogenes or cancer genes must be inherited by an individual from his or her parent to be able to develop some type of hereditary cancer. A medical condition such as Gardner’s syndrome, also known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), is inherited wherein colon polyps may be witnessed to develop at an early age. Unless treated, these individuals suffering from FAP are almost for certain to develop colorectal cancer.

3. Diet “You are what you eat”, as the saying goes. The truth is many a scientist has found out that nutrition and proper diet can dramatically benefit an individual’s health. In 2003, a study regarding major dietary patterns and risk of colorectal cancer in women has shown that individuals who fill their diets with red meats or processed meats, junk food such as french fries, white bread and high-sugar desserts may have an increased risk of colon cancer compared to an individual who eats otherwise. The article was published in the February 2003 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, thus proving that diet is a factor in colorectal cancer development.

4. Other diseases Some diseases increase an individual’s risk of developing Cancer. For persons with chronic hepatitis B, the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in the future is likely. This principle is same with colorectal cancer. An article in the Journal of Gastroenterology states that individuals with insulin dependency, such as those with Diabetes, have a 40% risk of developing colorectal cancer. Other diseases that increases the colon cancer risk are Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis, inflammation of the colon, and ovarian, breast and pancreatic cancer.

5. Environment and Behavior A sedentary lifestyle will contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, so that is why exercise is adamantly promoted by numerous physicians. Alcoholism, smoking and obesity shall also increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Now being a minority, where diagnosticians of colon polyps may not be readily available, colon cancer risk may increase as well. So, that is why you have to be mindful of your actions and to make sure to always visit your doctor for routine check-ups.

Colon Cancer