Bowel Cancer Causes

Colon cancer is cancer that forms in the colon. A number of factors can cause this disease. Some signs of colon cancer can be abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and changes in bowel movements. Causes of colon cancer are age, polyps, diet, diseases and heredity. A gastrointerologist performs a colonoscopy to look at the inside of the colon for any abnormalities or polyps. Polyps can be removed and tested for cancer.

Age

• Age is one of the main factors of developing colon cancer. Those who are age 40 and younger rarely develop colon cancer. The greater risk of developing this disease comes after the age of 50. After age 50, this risk increases due to a number of polyps found on the colon.

Polyps

• Polyps are small cells that form inside the colon. People who have polyps in the colon can have anywhere from one to many polyps. In most cases, these polyps are harmless. Sometimes, however, if these polyps remain and are not removed, cancer can develop. These polyps can cause problems like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes with bowel movements.
  A gastrointerologist can perform a colonoscopy, which checks for poylps and any abnormal growths in the intestines. If any are found, they can be safely removed.

Heredity

• Another cause of colon cancer is heredity. If one or more of your family members is diagnosed with colon cancer, you can be at risk too. This risk also depends on what member of your family had it and the age he was he was diagnosed.
  Many types of cancer are inherited and may be passed from one generation to the next. This is called inherited colon cancer syndrome. Over the period of several years, these genetic forms of cancer have been identified. Genetic tests can be done to see if anyone in your family carries these genetic forms of colon cancer.

Diseases

• Two diseases contribute to colon cancer: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis is caused by inflammation in the lining of the colon and rectum. Those who are at risk with ulcerative colitis have had the disease for at least 10 years or longer.
  Crohn's disease, which is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, is another link associated with colon cancer. The risk for colon cancer with this disease isn't as high as it is with ulcerative colitis. Since inflammation also occurs with this disease, there is risk of developing colon cancer.

Diet

• People who eat a lot of foods high in fat can be at risk of developing colon cancer. Many people eat a lot of red meats, which are high in fat and cholesterol. Also, when these meats are cooked, it can release cancer-causing chemicals. Those who consume a diet low in fiber can also be at risk for developing colon cancer.
  Diets high in fiber like fruits, vegetables and grains can help decrease your risk of colon cancer and polyps. High-fiber diets help because they keep the bowels moving so that food doesn't stay in the intestines for too long. Since food doesn't remain in the intestines for a long period, cancer-causing chemicals don't come in contact with the intestinal lining.