Fifteen Causes of Colon Cancer

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.

12. 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.

Sources:

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3. Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment. National Foundation for Cancer Research. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www2.nfcr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cancers_colorectal].
   
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5. Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 7 Mar. 2006. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_colon_and_rectum_cancer.asp].
   
6. Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity & Health: Documents and Publications: Chronic Disease Information Sheets: Physical Activity. World Health Organization. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/facts/pa/en/index.html].
   
7. Overview: Colon and Rectum Cancer: What Causes Colorectal Cancer? American Cancer Society. 15 Mar. 2006. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_2X_What_causes_colorectal_cancer.asp?sitearea=].
   
8. Spirits Raise Colon Cancer Risk: Heavy Liquor Drinkers Have Increased Risk of Colon Cancer. WebMD. 15 Oct. 2003. 23 Jun. 2006 [http://www.webmd.com/content/article/75/89702.htm].