Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. According to The American Cancer Society, it is estimated that about 148,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021.

One of the main reasons for the high mortality rate is the lack of information on the causes and risk factors of colon cancer. In this article, we will discuss ten factors that increase the risk of colon cancer.

Age

Colon cancer is commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 50. Nearly 90% of all cases of colon cancer occur in people over 50, making the age of the person a significant risk factor for colon cancer.

If you are in this age group, it is important to talk to your doctor about scheduling regular colon cancer screenings, including colonoscopies and stool tests, to detect any potential issues early on.

Family History

If a first-degree relative such as a parent or sibling has had colon cancer before age 60, your risk of developing it increases by two to three times.

Those with a family history of colon cancer should start colon cancer screenings earlier than those without, typically at age 40 or ten years before their affected relative’s diagnosis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition characterized by intestinal inflammation, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

People with IBD are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer, likely due to the chronic inflammation causing DNA damage and increasing the likelihood of mutations.

Dietary Factors

The type of food you eat can impact your risk of colon cancer. A diet high in red meat and processed meats can increase the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, a diet low in fiber can also increase the likelihood of colon cancer.

The American Cancer Society suggests eating a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting your intake of red meat and processed foods.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of colon cancer.

Heavy alcohol consumption is strongly associated with a higher risk of colon cancer, while smoking can increase the likelihood of precancerous growths known as polyps.

Obesity

Obesity is another risk factor for colon cancer. Those with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher are considered obese and have a higher risk of developing colon cancer, likely due to the inflammation caused by extra fat cells throughout the body.

Type 2 Diabetes

Research suggests that those with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

It is unknown whether diabetes itself or the risk factors that lead to diabetes, such as obesity and a poor diet, contribute to the increased likelihood of colon cancer.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle, or not getting enough physical activity, is yet another risk factor for colon cancer. Regular exercise can lower your risk of cancer significantly, likely due to the hormonal changes that occur during physical activity.

Previous Cancer

Having had cancer previously, such as breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer, also increases your risk of colon cancer. This is because some genetic mutations increase the likelihood of developing multiple types of cancer.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation and pollution, also play a role in colon cancer risk.

Those who work in chemical plants, factories, or that are exposed to high levels of radiation or pollution could have an increased risk of colon cancer.

It is important to remember that while having one or more of these risk factors increases your likelihood of developing colon cancer, it is not a definitive diagnosis.

Regular colon cancer screenings and a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of colon cancer, even if you have one or more of these risk factors.