Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon (the large intestine) or the rectum (the end of the colon).

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, with over 149,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2021. The good news is that colon cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early. Therefore, it’s important to know the risk factors that increase your chances of developing colon cancer.

Here are some of the factors that make you 50% more likely to get colon cancer:.

Age

Age is one of the biggest risk factors for colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 90% of colon cancer cases occur in people who are 50 years or older.

This is why it’s recommended that people get screened for colon cancer starting at age 45 (or earlier for those with a family history or other risk factors).

Family History

If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colon cancer, you are two to three times more likely to develop the disease compared to someone with no family history.

If multiple family members have had colon cancer, your risk increases even more.

Personal History of Polyps or Colon Cancer

If you have previously had polyps (small growths in the colon that can become cancerous) or colon cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer again in the future.

Therefore, it’s important to have regular follow-up screenings and surveillance after treatment to check for any new growths.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

People with IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. This is because the chronic inflammation that occurs in the colon can lead to DNA damage and abnormal cell growth.

Diet High in Red or Processed Meat

Eating a diet high in red or processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends limiting red meat (beef, pork, lamb) to no more than three servings per week and avoiding processed meats (such as bacon, sausage, lunch meats) altogether.

Lack of Physical Activity

Studies have found that people who are physically inactive have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. On the other hand, regular exercise can help reduce your risk.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (such as brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (such as running) per week.

Obesity

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing many types of cancer, including colon cancer. This may be due to the fact that excess body fat can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance, which can promote abnormal cell growth.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, people who smoke are about 20% more likely to develop colon cancer than those who don’t smoke.

Heavy Alcohol Use

Heavy alcohol consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that men limit themselves to no more than two drinks per day and women to no more than one drink per day.

Radiation Therapy

If you have undergone radiation therapy for another cancer in the abdomen or pelvic area, you may be at an increased risk of developing colon cancer later in life. This risk is highest for those who received radiation therapy as a child.

While having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean you will develop colon cancer, it’s important to be aware of them and take steps to reduce your risk.

This includes getting regular screenings, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.