What causes Colon Cancer?
Cancer of the colon is one of the main causes of death in the world. Unfortunately, like most cancers, a specific cause of the problem cannot be singled out. What the doctors are aware of is that a polyp, a small fleshy growth that nests in the large intestine, can lead to further complications. But even then, it won?t be visible during a colonoscopy until it develops into a significant size, and that takes years.
There are several more risk factors in the development of colon cancer. A common one is age, because as you grow older, you become more likely to have a polyp in your colon. As you step in the age of 50, doctors recommend that you include colonoscopy in your yearly medical check-up. It is discovered that 90 percent of colon cancer patients are people who are around this age.
Another risk factor is within the matter of you and your family?s medical history. The likelihood is affected by the number of relatives that were victimized by it, at what age they were diagnosed and even possible cases from past generations caused by genetic mutations.
These mutations bring about several rare conditions like attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer. Your medical record should also be taken into account. You are more likely to have colon cancer if you had any other type of cancer in the past. If you have a history with polyps, it also contributes to the chances even if you already had them removed. Also, some diseases make you more vulnerable to colon cancer, such as Crohn?s disease or ulcerative colitis.
While the aforementioned risk factors are next to impossible to control currently, you still can decrease your chances of concocting this disease through a healthy diet and lifestyle and regular exercise. As much as possible, avoid high-fat foods and make it a habit to include more fruits and vegetables in your everyday intake. Alcohol should also be minimized, and smoking should not be part of your habits. You must never excuse yourself from pursuing a healthy life, as this will be the only risk factor that you can manage.
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