Understanding risk factors for colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is an important step toward prevention. Individuals who are at highest risk can take preventive measures through diet and lifestyle changes. The National Cancer Institute estimates there are more than 106,000 cases of colon cancer and nearly 41,000 cases of rectal cancer diagnosed each year. Colon cancer deaths claim about 50,000 lives annually. You can reduce your risk for colon cancer through awareness.
Physical Inactivity
The National Cancer Institute warns that physical inactivity is a risk factor for the development of colon and rectal cancer. The importance of physical activity in the prevention of colorectal cancer increases after age 40. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical activity affects the production of prostaglandins, hormones that regulate inflammation that can promote tumor growth. Physical inactivity might also decrease levels of antioxidants in the body that are necessary to protect the cells from damage that can lead to cancer.
Smoking
A study published in the July 2001 issue of "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention" titled "An Updated Review of the Epidemiological Evidence that Cigarette Smoking Increases Risk of Colorectal Cancer," indicates that smoking should be added to the list of risk factors for colorectal cancer. Of particular importance was evidence that recent smoking played less of a role in cancer development than duration of smoking. The risk increases proportionately to the number of years a person has smoked, making it important to avoid the habit altogether or engage in tobacco cessation early.
Obesity
Consuming high-calorie foods, combined with physical inactivity, leads to obesity, an individual risk factor for colon cancer. Women who are post menopausal and become obese are at highest risk due to estrogen decline. Higher levels of estrogen before menopause offer some protection from a variety of cancers that are also linked to obesity. The National Cancer Institute notes that abdominal obesity could be a major contributor to the development of colon cancer. Obesity is also linked to high levels of insulin that promote tumor growth.
Red Meat Consumption
Several studies have linked red meat consumption to colorectal cancer. The study "More Details on Red Meat, Colon Cancer Link" published in 2005 in "CA---A Cancer Journal for Clinicians," suggests a risk of colon cancer from eating red meat. The risk of colon cancer from red meat consumption is comparable to that of obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity. Eating a high-fiber diet and consuming a lower fat diet decreases the chances of developing colon cancer.
Colon Polyps
Individuals who have been diagnosed with polyps of the colon are at increased risk for colon cancer. Frequent screening tests for tumor growth that might include colonoscopy or CT scan are especially important to detect changes in tissue growth. If you have a family or personal history of colon or rectal polyps, frequent physician follow up is essential.
Age
Increasing age is a risk factor for colon cancer that occurs much less frequently in younger people, says the Mayo Clinic. Inflammation, genetic changes, and longer exposure to carcinogens have been explored as possible contributors to cancer that is more common with advanced age. Routine colonoscopy is recommended for people older than age 50.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome are risk factors for colon cancer. Information from the "Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals" indicates that colon cancer appears within 7 years after the onset of extensive ulcerative colitis. The overall risk of colon cancer is 0.5 to 1 percent after 10 years, making screening for colon cancer important for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.
