Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine or rectum. It is the third most common cancer in the world, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

It is estimated that over 100,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year. One of the main causes of colon cancer is lifestyle habits, and young adults are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer due to their unhealthy habits.

What are the Risks Factors?

Several risk factors are associated with the development of colon cancer. These include:.

Age: The risk of colon cancer increases with age, and most cases are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50.
Family history: Individuals who have a family history of colon cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Genetic mutations: Inherited gene mutations, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for colon cancer, as it is for many other types of cancer.
Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Poor diet: Diets high in red and processed meats, saturated fats, and low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
Lack of physical activity: Lack of regular exercise or physical activity can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease: Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

Unhealthy Habits of Young Adults

Young adults are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer due to their unhealthy habits, such as:.

Poor diet: Many young adults have poor diets, high in processed foods, fast food, and low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. These diets are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
High alcohol consumption: Young adults are more likely to binge drink than other age groups, which can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Inactivity: Many young adults lead sedentary lifestyles, spending long hours sitting or lying down, which can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Smoking: Many young adults smoke, which is a significant risk factor for colon cancer.
Obesity: Young adults are more likely to be obese or overweight, which can increase their risk of colon cancer.

Prevention of Colon Cancer

There are several steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of colon cancer, including:.

Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and low in red and processed meats and saturated fats, can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise or physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Quit smoking: Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of colon cancer and other types of cancer.
Reduce alcohol consumption: Reducing alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Screening for Colon Cancer

Screening for colon cancer can detect the disease early, when it is most treatable, and can reduce the risk of death from colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals begin regular screening for colon cancer at age 45.

Screening methods for colon cancer include:.

Colonoscopy: This is the most common test for screening colon cancer. A colonoscopy involves a doctor using a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the colon and rectum and remove any polyps found during the test.
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): This test involves collecting a stool sample and checking it for blood that may indicate the presence of colon cancer.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is similar to a colonoscopy, but it only examines the lower part of the colon and rectum.

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a common and life-threatening disease that can be prevented. Young adults are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer due to their unhealthy habits, including poor diet, high alcohol consumption, inactivity, smoking, and obesity.

Preventative measures such as making healthy lifestyle choices and undergoing regular screening can reduce the risk of colon cancer and save lives.