Colon cancer has been found to be one of the most common kind of cancer prevailing in the US. This article provides some information about this medical condition and its causes, thereby helping one know why it is so common.
Colon cancer is a result of uncontrollable growth of cells in the large intestine, without dying as the normal cells do. There are certain noncancerous tumors known as adenomatous polyps grown within the large intestine, and mainly on the walls. These grow cancerous over time, if not detected, and lead to this disease. Many a time, the term colon cancer is used interchangeably with colorectal cancer, which occurs in the rectum that is close to the anus and towards the end of the large intestine.
Causes
There are no clear causes of this medical condition, 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, which though appear insignificant at first, are capable of turning cancerous over time.
- Diet: A bad diet is not only responsible for it, 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 this medical condition. Especially, excessive consumption of red meat and lack of consumption of low-fiber foods, results in the production of certain chemicals that cause this disorder.
- Genetics: Colon cancer is known to have passed on genetically in some cases, thereby making affected genes one of the causes of the same. 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 medical condition.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: It 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 this disorder. Those who are already affected by 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 a 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 cause of this disease. This has nothing to do with what kind of alcohol one may consume. Alcoholism is likely to increase the risk of developing this disease and may trigger some of the warning signs of this medical condition.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop it, and have a tougher time treating the same, 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 this medical condition 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 this disease.
- 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 this disease and the likes. Also, a study has revealed that obese men are more susceptible to this medical condition. Another study has revealed that those who are fat around the waist are more likely to develop it than those who are fat around the hips and thighs.
This medical condition can be treated easily if it is detected at the right time. By understanding the causes, it can be prevented by making active changes in one’s diet and lifestyle, and thereby help one to lead a healthy life.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.
