Are you at risk for colon cancer? Even if your risk factors are not hereditary, it's important to be aware of what risk factors can affect your chances. The risk of developing this disease is higher for people who have risk factors such as age, gender, and other health concerns. There are also risk factors that we can control like diet, exercise habits, smoking. Let's take a closer look at the risk factors for colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Risks You Can’t Control
There are some things in life that are out of our hands. That’s why if any of these factors apply to you, it’s even more important to get screened for colon cancer. Here’s a few of the factors to look out for.
Age
Colon cancer risk increases with age. Older people are more likely to develop colon cancer than younger adults because they face a greater risk of developing pre-cancerous polyps over time due to aging cells in the body.
Gender
While women and men are equally at risk of colon cancer specifically, men are more likely to develop rectal cancer. While these conditions sound similar, and are often grouped together under the term “colorectal, there are a few distinctions to be aware of.
Ethnicity
Statistically, African-Americans are more at risk of developing cancerous tumors in the colon. The risk is even greater for those with family members who have had this disease.
Genetics
The most commonly known risk factor is genetics. People with a family history of colon cancer are more likely to develop it, as well. If you have parents or siblings who had bowel tumors at an early age (less than 50 years old), your risk is increased. Even if no one in your immediate or extended family has had the problem before, genes can still be passed down to make it more likely that you will suffer from colorectal cancer as well.
Colon Cancer Risks You Can Control
While some factors are unfortunately out of our reach to do anything about, there are some that we can make appropriate changes for to lessen our chances of developing colorectal cancer.
Diet
Consuming too much red meat and processed meat over time can lead to colorectal cancer because these foods are high in fat, which can build up and form tumors. To decrease your risk of colon cancer, opt for a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Lifestyle
Cigarettes are a risk factor for colon cancer, as they increase the risk of developing rectal or anal cancers. This type of cancer is also associated with alcohol consumption. The risk of colon cancer is also increased by certain medications such as steroids.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are always safe bets to stay healthier and decrease your chance of getting colon cancer.
Fitness
Being physically inactive is another risk factor for colon cancer, as it can lead to a higher body mass index (BMI) and make you overweight. For example, some people have had their risk factors increased due to being obese which means they need more regular screening tests than those who maintain a healthy weight.
Shoot for 30 minutes of physical activity each day. You don’t have to be a gym buff to get the benefits of physical activity, even walking 30 minutes is enough to lower your risk.
Not getting screened for colon cancer
Colon cancer screenings are tests designed to detect the disease before symptoms and signs appear. These tests can detect colon or rectal cancer earlier when treatment is more likely to succeed. Individuals at average risk should begin testing at age 45, according to the American Cancer Society. In some cases, colorectal screening tests can also detect and remove precancerous growths (polyps) in the rectum, which can turn into cancer if left untreated.
If you have any colon cancer symptoms, please make sure to get in touch today to schedule your colon cancer screening and ensure a healthy colon.