Causes of Colon Cancer

Studies on the causes of colon cancer will show age at the top of the list of risk factors.

But unfortunately everybody gets old... it's a risk factor we can't do anything about!

Most of us want to know about colon cancer causes so that we can avoid it, or at least find out where we went wrong!

There's no doubt age is a major causitive factor.

Most cases occur in people over 60.

Polyps are also high on the list of colon cancer causes.

Family History and Related Diseases

Colon cancer is more likely to occur if your family has a history of the disease. This is especially the case if you have close family members who have contracted the disease before the age of 55.

Other hereditary diseases such as Lynch Syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) are considered major causes of colon cancer.

But let's get to the things we have some control over. What habits and lifestyles may be a cause of colon cancer?

Smoking, Gender, and Alcohol

Smoking has been identified as a cause. Women also appear to be affected more than men.

Alcohol may be a cause of colon cancer as well, but as with many alcohol related illnesses, the problem is generally associated with heavy consumption and abuse.

Exercise and Diet

Diet and fitness related issues feature highly among the causes of colon cancer. People with diets rich in animal fats appear to be more at risk, especially if the diet is low in fiber.

Fish eaters and people on high fiber diets run a lower risk. However, there is controversy regarding these claims.

Obesity features on the list of colon cancer causes, as does lack of exercise.

Women, Hormones and Cancer Risk

In some studies, it shows women appearing more at risk than men. Exogenous hormones have been identified as possible causes. These are used in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptives.

Colon Cancer and Country of Origin

Environmental factors do not appear to be a major factor. Studies however have shown people in industrialized countries run a higher risk of the disease. People in undeveloped countries tend to have diets with less fat and more fiber.

People from undeveloped countries are also less likely to receive hormone treatments and use oral contraceptives, so they are running with less risk factors in general.

Some causes cannot be avoided, especially hereditary disease. But a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, no smoking, and the use of alcohol within moderation can do a lot to reduce your risk of contracting colon cancer.

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