Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer 

A colon cancer risk factor is anything that affects your chance of developing colon cancer. Although having a risk factor can increase your chances of developing the disease, it does not guarantee that you will get it. Many people who get colon cancer do not have any known risk factors. And, even if they do, it is often difficult to know how much the risk factor contributed to the development of the cancer.

Lifestyle Factors

The link between the below lifestyle factors and colon cancer is significant. Colon cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the United States. Certain lifestyles may affect a person's likelihood of developing polyps that lead to colon cancer. Many of these lifestyle factors are related and can be managed in tandem, like weight and exercise habits.

The lifestyle factors that are likely to affect the risk of developing colon cancer include the following:

• Dietary Habits:  Our dietary habits play a significant role in our overall health and well being. Diets high in fat and low in fiber are believed to increase a person's risk of developing colon cancer. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains are recommended and may decrease the risk of colon cancer.
• Physical Activity:  Sedentary lifestyles are linked to the development of colon cancer. Regular physical activity is an important part of a balanced healthy lifestyle and may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Obesity:  Obesity is a condition that may have many adverse effects on your overall health and well being, including an increased risk of developing colon cancer.
• Smoking:  There is a lot of evidence linking cigarette smoking to many types cancer, including colon cancer. Smokers have been found to be a greater risk of developing colon cancer than non-smokers.
• Alcohol:  Heavy drinking may have several harmful health effects and also increases the risk of colon cancer.

NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors does not mean that you won't get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.

Any particular lifestyle factor, or combination of factors, may affect your risk. Fortunately, these lifestyle factors are manageable and you can reduce your risk of colon cancer through a regular exercise program and improving your dietary habits. A doctor or nutritionist can help you develop a plan that's right for you.

Other Risk Factors of Colon Cancer

Sometimes there are factors that are beyond our control. Age, race and family history may affect your risk of developing colon cancer. While colon cancer can develop in younger adults, more than 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are over the age of 50.

In addition to age, race is also a risk factor for developing colon cancer. For unknown reasons, there are higher rates of colon cancer found in African Americans than other races. In some cases, there is a familial link in families with a history of colon cancer. Talk to your doctor if you believe any of these factors may affect your risk of colon cancer.

Managing Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

Having one or more of the risk factors only means that the probability of developing colon cancer may have increased. Following the guidelines for regular screenings can increase your chance of detecting colon polyps early on. You can manage your risk factors by talking to your doctor about when to begin screening for polyps and by making healthy lifestyle choices. 

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