Colon cancer is one of the most common, yet preventable cancers. The cancer care specialists at Saint Francis want to help you lessen the chances of getting colon cancer by educating you on the risk factors and providing prevention guidelines.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

There is no single cause of colon cancer. Yet, nearly all colon cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) polyps, which slowly develop into cancer. In most cases, colon cancer begins in glands in the lining of the colon and rectum.

Those at a higher risk for colon cancer include individuals who:

• Are older than 60 years of age
• Are African American or are of eastern European descent
• Eat a diet high in red or processed meats
• Have cancer elsewhere in the body
• Have colorectal polyps
• Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Have a family history of colon cancer
• Have a personal history of breast cancer

Certain genetic syndromes also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Two of the most common are:

• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) – an inherited condition in which numerous polyps form mainly in the large intestine.
• Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome (a dominant genetic condition which has a high risk of colon cancer, as well as other cancers).

Colorectal Cancer Prevention

It’s up to each individual to take an active role in the early detection of colon cancer. Colorectal cancer rates have started to decline in recent years, but the malignancy remains the third most common cancer diagnosis in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). As with most other forms of cancer, early detection is key.

• If you are 50 or older, schedule a colon cancer screening. Over 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are 50 or older and the average age of diagnosis is 64. Research indicates that by age 50, one in four people has polyps.
• Eat a balanced diet. Diets high in fat and cholesterol (especially from animal sources) have been linked to increased colon cancer risk. On the other hand, high-fiber diets have shown a protective effect.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Interestingly enough, obese men seem to be more at risk for colon cancer than obese women. In addition, certain body types seem to influence risk more than others. For example, studies indicate that extra fat in the waist increases colon cancer risk more than extra fat in the thighs or hips.
• Learn your family medical history. Knowing your family medical history can impact the chances of whether or not you develop colon cancer. When discussing colon cancer prevention with your doctor, it is important to remember to mention any family members who have had polyps or colon cancer.
• Maintain an active lifestyle. Research indicates that exercising can reduce colon cancer risk by as much as 40 percent. What’s more, exercise tends to reduce the incidence of other risk factors for colon cancer, like obesity and diabetes.
• Don't smoke. Yes, smoking is a risk factor for colon cancer, as well. Smoking increases the risk for two main reasons. First, inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon. Second, tobacco use appears to increase polyp size.

Learn More About Colon Cancer

About Colorectal Cancer
Colon Cancer Screening and Diagnosis 
Treatment of Colon Cancer

Learn More About Cancer Services Provided by Saint Francis

For additional information or to schedule a consultation with a cancer specialist, please call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.