the reasons:
Doctors aren’t sure what causes colon cancer.
•In general, colon cancer occurs when changes (mutations) arise in the DNA of healthy colon cells. A cell’s DNA contains a set of instructions that direct the cell as to what to do.
•Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly manner to maintain normal body functions. But when DNA becomes damaged and cancer develops, cells continue to divide — even when new cells are no longer needed. The cells accumulate to form a tumor.
•Over time, cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy nearby normal tissue. Cancer cells can spread to and lodge in other parts of the body (metastasis).
risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:
•the elderly. Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, while the majority of people affected are over 50 years old. While we will find an increase in colon cancer rates in people younger than 50 years, although doctors are not sure of the cause.
•African Americans. African Americans have a higher risk of colon cancer than other races.
•A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you’ve already had colon cancer or noncancerous colon polyps, you have a higher risk of developing colon cancer in the future.
•Inflammatory intestinal diseases. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase the risk of colon cancer.
•Inherited syndromes that increase the risk of colon cancer. Certain genetic mutations passed through generations of your family can greatly increase your risk of colon cancer. But only a small percentage of colon cancers are linked to inherited genes. The most common inherited syndromes that increase the risk of colon cancer are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
•Having a family history of colon cancer. You are at greater risk of developing colon cancer if a blood relative has the disease. The risk is higher if one or more family members have had colon or rectal cancer.
•Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon and rectal cancer may be associated with a traditional Western diet that is low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Research in this field has yielded mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat diets high in red and processed meats.
•A sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary people are more likely to develop colon cancer. Regular physical activity may help reduce your risk of colon cancer.
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