Do You Know What Causes Colon Cancer?

Have you ever wondered exactly what causes colon cancer or increases the risk of developing this type of cancer? There are many things that have been determined to either directly cause colon cancer or at the very least contribute to increasing the risk of developing colon cancer. Many of these factors may include things you do on a daily basis and others may include things that have no connection to you whatsoever. Either way it is still important to know what these causes and risk factors are in order to know if you need to make changes within your own life to either prevent developing colon cancer altogether or at least lower your chances of being affected by this disease.

• Polyps

  These are formations often referred to as colon polyps that develop within the colon. If you or someone in your family has a history of colon polyps this increases the risk of developing colon cancer.

• Smoking

  Smoking cigarettes over a long period of time can be an issue in what causes colon cancer for two reasons. First is the fact that smoking may have a direct impact on increasing the size of polyps and second is the knowledge that inhaled smoke may allow carcinogens to travel to the colon.

• Obesity and lack of exercise

  Although obesity in itself is thought to increase the risk of developing colon cancer this risk is increased even more when a lack of exercise is added to it.

• Family History

  Colon cancer can often occur in individuals who have no family members who have ever had this type of cancer however in some cases in can be passed down through a family.

• Diabetes

  It has been suggested that individuals with diabetes who are dependent on insulin to regulate their sugar levels may be at an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

• Age

  This is thought to be the most common risk factor associated with the development of colon cancer. This is simply because as a person’s age progresses the likelihood of developing polyp increases thus increasing the risk of developing colon cancer.

• Diet

  Eating foods with a high fat content particularly that derived from animal fat may increase the risks of colon cancer.

• Alcohol

  There are mixed conceptions on this one as some studies show that alcohol increases the risk of colon cancer while other studies show that alcohol decreases this risk and still other studies have shown that alcohol consumption has no effect at all. Basically it depends on the type of alcohol being consumed and how much is consumed.

In order to know what to do to prevent colon cancer it is necessary to know what causes colon cancer. This is extremely valuable information and can go a long way in knowing what changes you may need to make to your daily style of living in order to greatly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer and thus improving your overall quality of life.