Who Is Prone to Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is marked by cancerous growths on the colon. There are several factors that may increase one's risk of developing this disease. However, these risk factors do not necessarily mean that an individual will develop cancer.

Age

• Most people diagnosed with colon cancer are over the age of 50. The disease is less common in younger people.

Diet

• Colon cancer may be linked to a diet consisting of foods that are high in calories and fat, and low in fiber.

Genetics

• An individual is more likely to get colon cancer if a parent or sibling had the disease. Risk increases with the number of relatives with the disease.

Lack of Exercise

• Individuals who are inactive are more likely to develop colon cancer as well. Exercising moderately may reduce the risk.

Obesity

• Those who are obese have a higher risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer and of dying from the disease.