FIFTEEN CAUSES OF COLON CANCER 1. Age
Age is the number one risk factor for colon cancer. Does that mean that age causes colon cancer? Not directly. It's just that by age age 50, one in four people has polyps. You'll learn more about polyps and their role in #11.
2. Alcohol
I have good news if you like merlot and bad news if you like vodka. While wine has shown a protective effect, other alcohol (primarily liquor) appears to cause colon cancer. Increased risk seems to be mainly associated with distilled spirits like gin, vodka, and bourbon. Related articles that discuss alcohol as a cause of colon cancer include the following:
* Wine May Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer
* More Evidence that Alcohol Increases Colon Cancer Risk
* Colon Cancer Smackdown: Spirits vs. Wine
* Vitamins Aren't Always Good for You
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. Articles that discuss diabetes as a cause of colon cancer include the following:
* Insulin Increases Colon Cancer Risk
* Pre-Diabetes Increases Colon Cancer Risk
4. Diet
Diets high in fat and cholesterol (especially from animal sources) have been found to cause colon cancer. Low-fiber diets have also been associated with increased risk, but the research isn't as clear. If you'd like to learn more about dietary causes of colon cancer, check out the following:
* Fish Triumphs Over Cow
* More Bad News About Red Meat
* Sugary Foods Linked to Colon Cancer
* Fatty Diet Increases Colon Cancer Risk
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. For example, does living in the U.S. cause colon cancer or are Americans simply more likely to receive screening than Romanians? Related articles that discuss environment as a cause of colon cancer include the following:
* Radiation Exposure and Colon Cancer
* Asbestos Exposure and Colon Cancer
* Working the Night Shift May Cause Colon Cancer
* Disinfectants Hinder Colon Cancer Detection
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. For more information about ethnicity, race, and social status as causes of colon cancer, please read the following:
* Ashkenazi Jews and Colon Cancer
* African Americans and Colon Cancer
* Gay People and Colon Cancer
7. Exercise
Some research has indicated that a sedentary lifestyle can cause colon cancer, but the jury's still out.
8. Gender
Can simply being male or female cause colon cancer? No, it's kind of like age as a cause of colon cancer. The question is whether females (or males) tend to get colon cancer more and if so, why? At the moment, the role of gender in colon cancer development is unclear. In countries where the disease is more frequently detected (like the U.S.), more men than women are diagnosed. But, 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 FAPHNPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer).
(familial adenomatous polyposis) and
10. Family Medical History
Can your mother's polyps cause colon cancer in your body? Of course not. But, the medical histories of your immediate and extended family members are still relevant. Why does your mom have polyps? Maybe you're genetically predisposed to them, too. As you might imagine, a prior history of colorectal cancer in the family is of particular concern.
11. Polyps
Polyps cause colon cancer, plain and simple. Although polyps don't always become cancerous, individuals with a history of polyps tend to develop colon cancer more often than those without polyps. The risk of developing colon cancer increases with the number and size of polyps present.
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History of Cancer
This is one of those things that can make you feel like nature just isn't very nice. Why? People who've had cancer are more likely to get cancer. Research indicates that women who've had breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer. For example, a study published in the journal Cancer Research found that one screwy gene can cause cancer of the colon and uterus.
13. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic inflammation of the bowel can cause colon cancer because inflamed areas of the colon can give rise to abnormally-developed cells which in time, can give rise to cancer cells.
14. Smoking
Long-term cigarette smoking causes colon cancer for two main reasons. First, inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon. Second, tobacco use appears to increase polyp size. Related articles that talk about smoking as a cause of colon cancer include the following:
* No Such Thing as a Safe Cigarette... Smoker
* Smoking Increases Risk for Carriers of the HNPCC Gene
* Smoking Causes Genetic Damage Linked to Colon Cancer
15. Weight
Obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, can cause colon cancer. (What's your BMI?) Studies indicate that extra fat in the waist (an "apple" shape) increases the risk of colorectal cancer more than extra fat in the thighs or hips (a "pear" shape). Related articles that discuss weight as a cause of colon cancer include the following:
* Study Finds Thick Middles Increase Colon Cancer Risk
* Obese Women are Four Times More Likely to Develop Colon Cancer
* Obesity Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk in Women
Now that you have a good handle on what causes colon cancer, why not learn what prevents it? Top 10 Colon Cancer Prevention Tips provides simple, straightforward advice for protecting yourself and your family from colon cancer.
