Causes and Risk Factors of Colon Cancer
The exact cause for colon cancer is unknown, but doctors have determined various risk factors.
Increasing age, African-American race, high fat intake, a family history of colorectal cancer and polyps, the presence of polyps in the large intestine, inflammatory bowel diseases, and primarily chronic ulcerative colitis are all factors that increase one’s risk for developing colon cancer.
Around 90% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed after age 50. There is also a higher occurrence of colon cancer found in African Americans. Colon cancer is more common in those who live a sedentary lifestyle, smoke tobacco, and are obese. Diet is an important factor because the colon is part of the digestive system.