What Causes Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a result of uncontrollable growth of cells in the large intestine, without dying, as normal cells do. There are certain noncancerous tumors known as adenomatous polyps grown within the large intestine, mainly on the walls. These grow cancerous over time, if not detected, and lead to colon cancer. Many a time, the term colon cancer is used interchangeably with Colorectal Cancer, which occurs in the rectum, that is close to the anus, towards the end of the large intestine.

Causes of Colon Cancer

There are no clear causes of colon cancer, but some of the most commonly identified ones have been mentioned here.

• Colon Polyps: As mentioned earlier, the development of colon polyps is the prime cause of colon cancer, which, though appear insignificant at first, are capable of turning cancerous over time.
• Diet: A bad diet is not only responsible for colon cancer, but is the root cause of mostly all health problems. A diet rich in fats and oils is likely to increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Especially, excessive consumption of red meat and lack of consumption of low fiber foods, results in the production of certain chemicals that cause colon cancer.
• Genetics: Colon cancer is known to have passed on genetically in some cases, thereby making affected genes one of the causes of colon cancer. Though it is not a prime cause, and the occurrence of colon cancer due to genes is lesser than other causes, it's inheritance will definitely increase the risk of developing this condition.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Colon cancer may be caused by the long-standing presence of Crohn's Disease, and ulcerative colitis, though the risk is higher with the presence of ulcerative colitis. Constant inflammation of the bowel can give rise to cancerous cells, resulting in colon cancer. Those who already suffer from the same, should undergo a colonoscopy procedure without fail as a preventive measure.
• Inactivity: As is the case with a bad diet, so is the case with an inactive lifestyle. It is immensely important to be physically active, to intake good amount of oxygen, to increase blood circulation, so as to flush out all the toxins that cause diseases like colon cancer.
• Alcoholism: Consumption of alcohol on a regular basis is another one of many colon cancer causes. This has nothing to do with what kind of alcohol one may consume. Alcoholism is likely to increase the risk of developing colon cancer and may trigger some of the warning signs of colon cancer.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop colon cancer, and have a tougher time treating it, because diabetes slows the treatment process of all other diseases that affect the body. There is a lower chance of survival, and in case it has been treated, there is the risk of recurrence in case of a diabetic.
• Smoking: Chain smokers are more prone to colon cancer, because the tobacco that is inhaled results in the development of carcinogens in the colon. Smoking also results in the growth of the already present polyp in the large intestine. Some studies have shown that even inhaling second hand smoke may increase the chances of developing colon cancer.
• Obesity: Obesity is another major contributor towards colon cancer, as well as many other diseases. It is very important to reduce one's weight in order to prevent the occurrence of colon cancer and the likes. Also, a study has shown that obese men are more susceptible to colon cancer. Another study has shown that those who are fat around the waist are more likely to develop colon cancer than those who are fat around the hips and thighs.

Now that you know what causes colon cancer, it is also important to watch out for the warning signs of colon cancer, that may generally be overlooked as an occasional stomach ache. The silver lining in this cloud is, that colon cancer can be treated easily if it is detected at the right time. By understanding its causes, colon cancer can be prevented by making active changes in one's diet and lifestyle, and leading a healthy life,.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.