Identifying Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Awareness of Colon Cancer Risk can Lead to Early Diagnosis
Oct 22, 2009
Colon cancer is a disease that affects everyone. According to WebMD, over 100,000 Americans were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008. However, there are several strong indicators that place a person at a much higher risk of developing colon cancer. When these risk factors are known, diagnoses can be made much sooner.
People over Age 50 are at Greater Risk for Colon Cancer
Older people are more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer. In fact, the average age of diagnosis is 72. That is why the National Cancer Institute guidelines recommend that starting at age 50 every person should begin receiving yearly colon cancer testing.
Family History Increases Risk for Colon Cancer
Although the link between family history and colon cancer is still under study, there are definite links. Individuals who have close relatives who have also experienced colon cancer are at a greater risk of developing the disease themselves. This risk is even greater if the relatives developed the disease prior to age 50.
Colon Polyps Can Develop into Cancer
Polyps located in the colon are actually relatively common. Since most polyps do not turn into cancer, their existence does not indicate the presence of disease. However, some polyps do turn into cancerous tumors later on. That is why all polyps that are detected during colonoscopies are usually removed just to be safe.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Increase Risk of Colon Cancer
People who have more minor diseases of the bowels are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer later on. These diseases include ulcers in the colon, also known as ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
Previous Diagnosis of Cancer Increases Chances of Colon Cancer
Those who have been previously diagnosed with colon cancer are at a higher risk of developing it again. In addition, individuals who have had other types of cancer are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer later. For women, their risk increases if they have had breast, uterine or ovarian cancer.
High Fat, Low Fiber Diets Linked to Colon Cancer
Diets that are high in fat and low in fiber are also contributors to colon cancer. It is not necessarily the foods themselves that are linked to cancer, but the fact that these foods cause inflammation of the bowel which can lead to colon cancer.
Developing Diabetes Can Lead to Colon Cancer
According to WebMD, people with diabetes have a 30-40% increased risk of developing colon cancer. So it’s important to maintain a normal weight and to lose weight if an individual is obese.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/guide/risk-factors-colorectal-cancer
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