Colon Cancer – Causative Factors

Promalignant Conditions – These conditions make the large intestine prone to developing cancer but do not result in cancer always.

1> Ulcerative Colitis – It is an inflammatory condition of large intestine. In patients with long term disease, chances of developing cancer are high.

2> Crohn’s Disease – It is an inflammatory condition affecting intestinal tract as a whole. Risk of developing cancer is less, as compared to ulcerative colitis.

3> Inherited Colon Cancer Syndrome – They are of two types. Familial adenomatous polyposis is identified by numerous polyps in the inner surface of large intestine. It increases the risk of developing colon cancer at an early age of less than 30 years. Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer is a type of cancer known to affect subsequent generations of certain families. It increases the risk for not only colon cancer at an age less than 50 years but other cancers also e.g. cancers of urinary bladder, thyroid, ovaries and uterus.

4> Carcinoid Tumors – These are rare tumors of gastrointestinal tract. They are slow growing tumors taking years to develop. These tumors produce hormones which create a peculiar group of symptoms called carcinoid syndrome.

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

1> Age > 40 years

2> History of colon cancer in the family or relatives.

3> Past history of benign growths in the colon removed surgically.

4> Presence of promalignant conditions mentioned above.

5> High fat and low fiber diet.

My next article is on “Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer“.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for the general public awareness only. The patient is advised to take proper medical opinion before undergoing any treatment mentioned herein. The author and publisher are not responsible for any consequences thereof.