Know the Causes of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that is common, both men and women. The exact cause of this cancer is often unknown, but there are a number of factors that can trigger its emergence. One of them is an unhealthy diet. Most colon cancers are initiated by abnormal tissue growth called polyps. These intestinal polyps are benign and rarely cause symptoms. However, polyps can develop into malignant cancer over time. Symptoms of colon cancer that usually bring sufferers to come to see a doctor are:

• Stomach pain for several days.
• The feeling of wanting to defecate is not gone even though it is defecating.
• Diarrhea or constipation for many days, with long, thin stools.
• Bleeding during bowel movements.
• Significant weight loss for no apparent reason.

Many scientific studies have shown that there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for colon cancer. Some of these factors can be avoided, but others cannot.

Risk factors that cannot be avoided

Some risk factors for colon cancer that cannot be avoided are:

1. Old age

The risk of colon cancer increases with age. This cancer usually occurs in people aged over 50 years. Whereas in young people, cases of colon cancer are rarely encountered.

2. Have a family history of colon cancer

One in three colon cancer patients have family members who also experience it. People whose family members have had colon cancer, especially parents or siblings, have a higher risk of developing colon cancer as well. In addition, a family history of intestinal polyps is also referred to as a risk factor for colon cancer.

3. Have suffered from polyps or inflammatory bowel disease

A person who has had intestinal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease has a higher risk of developing colon cancer.

4. Have had cancer

Someone who has had colon cancer and has undergone surgery has a risk of getting this cancer again. Other types of cancer, such as ovarian and uterine cancer, can also increase your risk of developing colon cancer.

5. Have certain genetic disorders

Some rare genetic disorders, such as Lynch syndrome and Gardner syndrome, can increase the risk of colon cancer.

Avoidable Risk Factors

Do not be discouraged if you have the above risk factors, because there are also several risk factors for colon cancer that can be avoided to reduce your chances of developing this disease. Some of these factors are:

1. Unhealthy eating patterns

Research shows that consumption of red meat (such as beef), preserved meat, or processed meat (such as sausages or packaged meat), and high fat meat increases the risk of colon cancer. Consumption of meat cooked at high temperatures, such as fried or grilled, also increases the risk of this cancer. In general, you are advised to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and increase fiber consumption, in order to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

2. Alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol three or more times a day can increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of large benign intestinal tumors (adenomas).

3. Smoking habits

Smoking increases a person's risk of developing colon cancer and increases the risk of dying from the disease. A smoker also has a higher risk for recurrence of colon cancer, even after surgery.

4. Rarely exercise

By undergoing regular exercise, one can maintain ideal body weight. Having an ideal body weight is said to help prevent colon cancer.

5. Obesity

People who are overweight or obese are more at risk of developing colon cancer, and more at risk of dying from colon cancer, than people of normal weight. Most cases of colon cancer are difficult to determine the exact cause. However, by knowing the risk factors above, you can make prevention efforts early. To avoid colon cancer, you are advised to exercise enough, maintain ideal body weight, eat foods high in fiber and low in saturated fat, and not smoke and consume alcoholic beverages. If you have had colon cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or if a family member has had colon cancer, do a health check with your doctor. The doctor will do the tests needed to assess whether you are at risk of developing colon cancer.