Colon Cancer Risk Factors
At some point or another it is safe to say that anyone is at risk for colon cancer. However, there are certain risk factors involved that will make someone more vulnerable to it when compared to other people who do not have these risk factors.
In medicine these risk factors are important to consider and if you fall under any of them you should have the necessary colon cancer screenings which will help you to diagnose the condition early on.
Age
It is possible for young adults to develop colon cancer – but this is also unlikely. Adults over the age of 50 have a 90% of being diagnosed with this condition. That is why doctors urge they begin annual screenings to make sure that their bodies have not been affected by it.
Medical History
Many health conditions are able to be passed from parent to child and this can be said for colon cancer. It is important that you doctor know if anyone in your family has had a history of colon cancer of colorectal polyps. They also need to know if you have ever had adenomatous polps because this will increase your risk.
If you have ever had colon cancer that was completely removed than you are a survivor – but you are at still at risk for it. In fact this risk is even higher because many people will have recurring bouts of cancer later in life when they are older.
Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition where the colon is inflamed for a long period of time. Anyone who had had any form of this condition (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.) are at risk for colon cancer. You need to make regular screenings with your doctor. People who have had this condition will usually develop dysphasia.
This is a problem that causes the cell inside of the lining of the rectum or color to become abnormal when seen under a microscope. Over time these cells can develop into cancer cells.
Lifestyle And Diet
It is believed that the types of foods you eat and how you live can greatly increase your risk for colon cancer. Eating mostly red meats and processed meats that are fried, broiled, or grilled will create chemicals in your body which can increase your risk. Doctors believe that eating fruits and vegetables will help your body to prevent colon cancer. Other more common risk factors include smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and large quantities of alcohol.
