Colorectal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors | Medify

Causes of Colorectal Cancer Remain Unknown, but You Can Take Steps to Decrease Your Risks

The exact cause of colorectal cancer remains unknown. But doctors do know that the disease typically starts as clumps of precancerous cells (polyps) on the inside lining of the colon. Over time, often many years, some of these abnormal cells may turn into cancer. Research has shown that removing polyps and nonpolypoid lesions early can prevent colon cancer.

What?s more, experts have found evidence of the factors that put some people at higher risk for colorectal cancer. As the American Cancer Society describes, having a risk factor, or several of them, does not necessarily mean you will develop colorectal cancer. Although we can?t control all of these risk factors, we can control some. And that can make a significant difference to our health.

Risk Factors You Can?t Control

• Age: About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are over age 50.

• Ethnic background: African-Americans and Jews of eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) face a higher risk for colorectal cancer than people of other ethnic backgrounds.

• Family history of colon cancer and colon polyps: If you have close relatives (parents, siblings or children) who have had colorectal cancer, you may be at more risk, especially if the relative had cancer at a younger age.

Risk Factors You Can Control

• Being overweight: Obesity has shown to raise a person?s risk for colorectal cancer by 20 percent. Compared to people of normal weight, obese people also face a greater risk of dying from colorectal cancer.

• Diet: Consuming red meats and processed meats on a regular basis increases a person?s risk for colorectal cancer, as does eating meats cooked at very high temperatures. Studies indicate that diets high in fiber, fruits and vegetables can help reduce risks for colorectal cancer.

• Exercise: Getting regular physical activity can help reduce your cancer risks overall.

• Smoking and alcohol use: Longtime smokers and heavy alcohol drinkers are more likely to develop colorectal cancer as well as other types of cancer.

Learn More About Rectal Cancer

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Source: https://www.medify.com/blog/colorectal-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors/

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