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What are the Colon Cancer Risk Factors?
1. Age
Age is the number one risk factor for colon cancer. By age 50, one in four people have polyps.
2. Alcohol
While wine has shown a protective effect, other alcohol (primarily liquor) appears to increase the risk of colon cancer. Increased risk seems to be mainly associated with distilled spirits like gin, vodka, and bourbon. Colorectal cancer has been linked to the heavy use of alcohol. While some of this may be due to the effects of alcohol on folic acid in the body, it still would be wise to avoid heavy alcohol use.
3. Diabetes
A study published in the journal Gastroenterology found that insulin dependency contributes to colon cancer development. In general, diabetics are up to 40% more likely to develop colon cancer than people who don't have diabetes. They also tend to have a higher death rate after diagnosis.
4. Diet
Diets high in fat and cholesterol (especially from animal sources) have been found to cause colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends choosing most of your foods from plant sources and limiting your intake of high-fat foods such as those from animal sources. The American Cancer Society also recommends eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day and several servings of other foods from plant sources, such as breads, cereals, grain products, rice, pasta, or beans. Many fruits and vegetables contain substances that interfere with the process of cancer formation.
5. Environment
The risk of developing colon cancer varies throughout the world. Studies indicate that colon cancer rates are lowest in Kuwait, India, and Romania and highest in the United States, Switzerland, and Canada. Why these rates differ isn't clear.
6.Ethnicity, Race, and Social Status
Research has found genetic mutations that cause colon cancer in Jewish people of Ashkenazi descent. In fact, Ashkenazi Jews are two-to-three times more likely to develop colon cancer than members of the general population. In general, minority populations are at greater risk of dying from colon cancer because they receive preventive care less often. This includes racial minorities such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Vietnamese, as well as social minorities such as gays and lesbians.
7. Exercise
If you are not physically active, you have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer.
8. Gender
A review of colorectal cancer cases worldwide found that men and women are at equal risk.
9. Genetics
Researchers estimate that about 25% of colon cancer cases have some sort of genetic link. Examples of the most common genetic causes of colon cancer include mutations leading to FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis) and HNPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer). The word ‘polyposis’ refers to polyp development.
10. Obesity
If you are very overweight, your risk of dying from colorectal cancer is increased.
11. Smoking
Recent studies indicate that smokers are 30% to 40% more likely than non-smokers to die from colorectal cancer. Smoking may be responsible for causing about 12% of fatal colorectal cancers. Almost everyone knows that smoking causes cancers in sites in the body that come in direct contact with the smoke, such as the mouth, larynx, and lungs. However, some of the cancer-causing substances are swallowed and can cause digestive system cancers, such as esophageal and colorectal cancer. Some of these substances are also absorbed into the bloodstream and can increase the risk of developing cancers of the kidneys, bladder, cervix, and other organs.
12. Night-shift work
Results of one single study suggest working a night shift at least 3 nights a month for at least 15 years may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in women. The study authors suggested this might be due to changes in melatonin (a hormone that responds to changes in light) levels in the body. More research is needed to confirm or refute this finding, however.
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