Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that in 2020, there will be approximately 104,610 new cases of colon cancer and 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States alone.

Risk factors for colon cancer?

Several factors contribute to the development of colon cancer. Some of these risk factors cannot be controlled or changed, such as:.

Age: The risk of colon cancer increases with age, with more than 90% of cases occurring in people over the age of 50.
Inherited genetic mutations: A small percentage of colon cancers are caused by genetic mutations that are inherited from parents.
Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): People with IBD, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

There are also lifestyle risk factors that can be managed to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. These include:.

Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of colon cancer.
Smoking and alcohol consumption: Both smoking and heavy alcohol consumption increase the risk of colon cancer.

Gender differences in colon cancer risk?

Colon cancer can affect both men and women, but there are some gender-specific differences in risk factors and occurrence. Women are slightly less likely to develop colon cancer than men, but they have a higher risk of developing rectal cancer.

Women who have given birth to several children are at a slightly higher risk of developing colon cancer than those who have never had children. This may be due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth.

Additionally, women who have taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause have a slightly increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Racial and ethnic differences in colon cancer risk?

Colon cancer rates vary among different racial and ethnic groups. African Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer in the United States.

They are also more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer at a younger age and at a more advanced stage.

Other racial and ethnic groups with high rates of colon cancer include Hispanic/Latino, Alaska Native, and Native American populations.

It is not entirely clear why these groups are at higher risk, but genetic differences and lifestyle factors may play a role.

Family history and genetic factors?

Family history of colon cancer is a significant risk factor for the disease. People who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colon cancer are two to three times more likely to develop the disease themselves.

Additionally, some genetic mutations increase the risk of colon cancer. These mutations can be inherited from parents or can occur spontaneously. The most common inherited syndromes that lead to colon cancer are:.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): A genetic disorder that causes the growth of many polyps in the colon and leads to a high risk of colon cancer.
Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC): A genetic disorder that increases the risk of colon cancer and other cancers, such as uterine and ovarian cancer.

Screening for colon cancer?

Screening for colon cancer is essential, as it can detect the disease at an early stage when it is most treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that people of average risk begin regular colon cancer screening at age 45.

People with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening at an earlier age.

The most common screening tests for colon cancer include:.

Colonoscopy: A procedure that uses a flexible tube with a small camera to view the inside of the colon and rectum.
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): A test that detects blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer.
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): A more sensitive version of the FOBT that detects blood in the stool using antibodies.
Sigmoidoscopy: A procedure that uses a flexible tube with a small camera to view the lower part of the colon and rectum.
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy): A non-invasive test that uses X-rays and a computer to create images of the colon and rectum.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a common and potentially deadly disease. While some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, many others, such as diet, exercise, and smoking, can be managed to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.

Screening for colon cancer is essential, as it can detect the disease at an early stage when it is most treatable.