Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the colon or rectum.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States, with an estimated 149,500 new cases and 52,980 deaths in 2021. While the exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, there are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.

In this article, we will discuss some of the factors that contribute to a 17% increase in colon cancer risk.

1. Age

One of the most significant risk factors for colon cancer is age. According to the ACS, more than 90% of cases occur in people over the age of 50.

This is partly due to the fact that the cells in the colon and rectum tend to become damaged over time, which increases the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals over 50 years old get regular screenings for colon cancer, such as a colonoscopy.

2. Family history

Another factor that can contribute to an increased risk of colon cancer is having a family history of the disease.

If one or more close relatives, such as a parent, sibling, or child, has been diagnosed with colon cancer, a person’s risk of developing the disease is higher. In fact, according to the ACS, people with a first-degree relative who has had colon cancer have two to three times the risk of developing the disease themselves.

3. Personal history of colon cancer or polyps

People who have had colon cancer in the past are more likely to develop the disease again. Additionally, individuals who have had polyps, which are noncancerous growths in the colon that can develop into cancer over time, are also at an increased risk.

Therefore, individuals who have had colon cancer or polyps in the past should be vigilant about getting regular screenings to detect any new growths or signs of cancer.

4. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can also increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer.

According to the ACS, people with IBD have a higher risk of developing colon cancer than those without IBD. This is because IBD can cause inflammation and damage to the cells in the colon, which can lead to the development of cancer over time.

5. Ethnicity and race

Certain ethnic and racial groups are also at an increased risk of developing colon cancer. For example, African Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer in the United States, according to the ACS.

Additionally, people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher risk of developing certain genetic mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer.

6. Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors can also contribute to an increased risk of colon cancer. For example, people who smoke cigarettes are more likely to develop the disease than those who do not smoke.

Additionally, people who are overweight or obese, have a sedentary lifestyle, or consume a diet high in red meat and processed foods are also at an increased risk.

7. Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes are also at an increased risk of developing colon cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, people with diabetes have a 30% to 40% higher risk of developing colon cancer than those without diabetes.

This may be due in part to the fact that people with diabetes often have high levels of insulin in their blood, which can promote the growth of cancer cells.

8. Alcohol consumption

Heavy alcohol consumption is also a risk factor for colon cancer. According to the ACS, people who drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day are at an increased risk of developing the disease.

This is because alcohol can damage the cells in the colon and rectum, leading to the development of cancer over time.

9. Radiation therapy

Individuals who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer in the past may also be at an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

According to the ACS, radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis can damage the cells in the colon and rectum, which can lead to the development of cancer later in life.

10. Certain genetic mutations

Finally, certain genetic mutations can also increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. For example, mutations in the APC gene, the MUTYH gene, and the Lynch syndrome genes can all increase the risk of developing the disease.

Therefore, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or certain genetic mutations should talk to their healthcare provider about getting regular screenings for the disease.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious disease that affects thousands of people each year. While the exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, there are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.

Some of these factors include age, family history, personal history of colon cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ethnicity and race, lifestyle factors, diabetes, alcohol consumption, radiation therapy, and certain genetic mutations. Therefore, it is important for individuals to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to reduce their risk, such as getting regular screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and talking to their healthcare provider about their risk.