subject: What Causes Colon Cancer [print this page] What Causes Colon Cancer What Causes Colon Cancer
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer or as it is sometimes referred to colorectal cancer or large bowel cancer defines a disease that is characterized by the manifestation of cancerous growths within the rectum, colon and appendix. It is the third most prevalent form of cancer and is the third major cause of cancer related deaths in the western world. It has been stated that the cancer may come about because of polyps that are within the colon. Though these growths are usually benign they can mutate into malignant tumours. This kind of cancer is generally diagnosed using colonoscopy. It is likely to be treated with surgery followed by the administering of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
What causes colon cancer?
There are several risk factors that will increase an individuals probability of developing colon cancer. Some of these are highlighted below with a short description of each risk factor.
A diet that consists of a lot of fat is a common factor in encouraging the development of the disease. Studies have indicated that a diet that is high in fat, low in fibre and that maintains excessive portions of red meat may induce the development of the disease. It is speculated that the breakdown of fat in the large and small intestines may make carcinogenic chemicals. Therefore it is advised that a person eats vegetables and foods that are high in fibre to aid the body to rid itself of carcinogenic waste products from the colon.
As mentioned before colon polyps appear to play a great role in the manifestation of the disease. These polyps manifest as a result of impairment to the chromosomes in the cell lining of the colon. This leads to the development of small benign growths. Though these fairly minute growths are benign they have the ability to become cancerous growths over time. Consequently, it is important to have any present polyps assesed by a doctor to lower the probabilitythat they will become cancerous growths.
An individual may also be genetically predisposed to developing the disease. If a person has a family history of the disease then his or her chances are greater for developing the possibly inherited condition. The age the disease came about in family members will also increase the likelihood of early onset of the disease in the individual.
If a person has ever had another type of cancer especially those of the reproductive system including breast, ovary, and uterine cancer the chance of developing the disease will be greater.
People who have Chron's Disease also have an increased risk of developing the condition. Because Chron's disease affects the intestines, degeneration overtime in this particular area will likely prompt cancerous growths. It is recommended that patients with the disease are often assesed by the medical practitioner to diagnose any early development of the disease.
If an individual has ulcerative colitis which will promote inflammation of the inner lining of the colon he or she will be at an increased risk of developing the condition. Generallythe manifestation of colon cancer in patients with this disease usually occurs after 8-10 years of being afflicted with the disease.
Early diagnosis of the disease improves the prognosis for any patient. If it is not detected in the early stages it may move to other organs and cause likely death.
