Causes of Colon Cancer
These articles discuss things that researchers have said cause colon cancer or contribute to its development.
15 Causes of Colon Cancer
Here you'll learn about 15 things that either cause colon cancer or contribute to its development. Examples include smoking, drinking, and getting older.
Here you'll learn about 15 things that either cause colon cancer or contribute to its development. Examples include smoking, drinking, and getting older.
Age
Age is the number one risk factor for colon cancer. In fact, research indicates that by age 50, one if four people has polyps.
Age is the number one risk factor for colon cancer. In fact, research indicates that by age 50, one if four people has polyps.
Alcohol
Research has indicated that alcohol increases colon cancer risk. Research has also shown that it lowers it, or that it has no effect at all. So which is right? All of it may be. The key appears to be what kind of alcohol you're drinking.
Research has indicated that alcohol increases colon cancer risk. Research has also shown that it lowers it, or that it has no effect at all. So which is right? All of it may be. The key appears to be what kind of alcohol you're drinking.
Asbestos Exposure
Some studies indicate that asbestos exposure increases a person's risk of developing colon cancer. However, the evidence isn't clear enough to say that yes, asbestos definitely causes cancer of the colon.
Some studies indicate that asbestos exposure increases a person's risk of developing colon cancer. However, the evidence isn't clear enough to say that yes, asbestos definitely causes cancer of the colon.
Breast Cancer
Some studies indicate that breast cancer increases colon cancer risk and others say it doesn't.
Some studies indicate that breast cancer increases colon cancer risk and others say it doesn't.
Colon Polyps
Polyps don't always become cancerous, but your risk of developing cancer increases with the number and size of colon polyps you have.
Polyps don't always become cancerous, but your risk of developing cancer increases with the number and size of colon polyps you have.
Diabetes
People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing colon cancer. They also tend to have lower survival rates and higher recurrence rates.
People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing colon cancer. They also tend to have lower survival rates and higher recurrence rates.
Environment
Research has shown that environment can play a big part in colon cancer development. Where you live, who's around you, your occupation, and even when you work may all influence your risk of developing colon cancer.
Research has shown that environment can play a big part in colon cancer development. Where you live, who's around you, your occupation, and even when you work may all influence your risk of developing colon cancer.
Ethnicity, Race, and Social Status
Some groups of people more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer than others. The reasons are varied, but ethnicity, race, and social status all play a part.
Some groups of people more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer than others. The reasons are varied, but ethnicity, race, and social status all play a part.
Family Medical History
Your family medical history (immediate and extended) can impact your chances of developing colon cancer.
Your family medical history (immediate and extended) can impact your chances of developing colon cancer.
Gender
You may have heard that men are more likely to get colon cancer than women. You may have heard it the other way around, too. Both statements can be true depending on the context.
You may have heard that men are more likely to get colon cancer than women. You may have heard it the other way around, too. Both statements can be true depending on the context.
Genetics
About 75% of colorectal cancer cases are sporadic; they occur in people who have no (or very little) family history of the disease. However, the other 25% of cases have a genetic component.
About 75% of colorectal cancer cases are sporadic; they occur in people who have no (or very little) family history of the disease. However, the other 25% of cases have a genetic component.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease, often characterized by conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease, increases the risk of developing colon cancer.
Inflammatory bowel disease, often characterized by conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease, increases the risk of developing colon cancer.
Obesity
Nobody likes to have the word obese thrown at them. I prefer overweight. But, obesity is a medical term that indicates someone exceeds their recommended weight, one step beyond simply being overweight. And the answer to the question is yes, obesity does increase colon cancer risk.
Nobody likes to have the word obese thrown at them. I prefer overweight. But, obesity is a medical term that indicates someone exceeds their recommended weight, one step beyond simply being overweight. And the answer to the question is yes, obesity does increase colon cancer risk.
Ovarian Cancer
Whether a woman with a history of ovarian cancer is at increased risk for colon cancer depends on why she (or her family member) developed ovarian cancer in the first place.
Whether a woman with a history of ovarian cancer is at increased risk for colon cancer depends on why she (or her family member) developed ovarian cancer in the first place.
Personal Medical History
Your personal medical history can significantly impact your chances of developing colon cancer. A medical history that includes polyps, bowel inflammation, or certain cancers is particularly relevant.
Your personal medical history can significantly impact your chances of developing colon cancer. A medical history that includes polyps, bowel inflammation, or certain cancers is particularly relevant.
Phthalates
A definitive link between phthalates and cancer has not been established. Some doctors, however, recommend avoiding phthalates to minimize the risk of developing cancer or reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. What are phthalates and how can you avoid them?
A definitive link between phthalates and cancer has not been established. Some doctors, however, recommend avoiding phthalates to minimize the risk of developing cancer or reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. What are phthalates and how can you avoid them?
Radiation Exposure
Can radiation exposure give you cancer? The short answer is yes. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, colon cancer has been caused by doses of about 1,000 millisieverts. So, what the heck is a "millisievert" and how do you keep from racking up 1,000 of them?
Can radiation exposure give you cancer? The short answer is yes. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, colon cancer has been caused by doses of about 1,000 millisieverts. So, what the heck is a "millisievert" and how do you keep from racking up 1,000 of them?
Smoking
Long-term cigarette smoking increases a person's risk of developing colon cancer.
Long-term cigarette smoking increases a person's risk of developing colon cancer.
Uterine Cancer
Women with a personal (or family) history of uterine cancer may have a greater risk of developing colon cancer. If the uterine cancer was caused by a particular genetic mutation, women are considered at high risk for colon cancer.
Women with a personal (or family) history of uterine cancer may have a greater risk of developing colon cancer. If the uterine cancer was caused by a particular genetic mutation, women are considered at high risk for colon cancer.