Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer, is a strong foe in the field of cancer. It is one of the most common types of cancer in the world, making it critical to understand the intricate interaction of factors that lead to its development. Colorectal cancer develops when cells proliferate uncontrollably in the colon or the rectum, which are the last stops for food in the digestive tract. The colon connects to the anus via the large intestine, which is roughly 5 feet long. The overall length of this amazing digestive system provides plenty of room for cellular alterations.

Colorectal cancer most commonly develops in mucus-producing cells of the colon and rectum. Understanding the risk factors for colorectal cancer is critical for prevention, since implementing preventative actions may minimize your chance of developing the disease. Patients who are at a higher risk should talk to their doctor about when they should get a colonoscopy or a stool test, which can detect early signs of colorectal cancer. In this blog, we'll look at the complex network of elements that contribute to the etiology of colon cancer, from genetic predispositions to environmental circumstances.

Reasons Why People Get Colon Cancer

The main causes of colon cancer are not fully understood, but several factors are known to contribute to its development. These factors include:

1. Age

Age is one of the most important risk factors for colon cancer. As people get older, their cells collect genetic abnormalities and are exposed to environmental variables that might raise the risk of developing cancer, including colon cancer. Because of this increased risk, regular tests, such as colonoscopies, are strongly advised, especially for anyone over the age of 50. Screening for anomalies early in life can greatly improve the odds of finding colon cancer.

2. Family History and Genetics

A family history is a major contributor to the development of colon cancer. Your risk grows significantly if you've got a history of the disease in your family, particularly among first-degree relatives (i.e., parents, siblings, and children). The risk of developing colon cancer rises significantly when a person carries an abnormality that causes Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). People who have a medical history that runs in their family can benefit from genetic counseling and testing in order to make more educated decisions regarding their own health. 

3. Lifestyle Choices 

Choices in lifestyle that are harmful to one's health can also play a role in the development of colon cancer. Diets that are high in processed and red meats while being poor in fiber, fruits, and vegetables are linked to an increased risk of developing the disease. The risk of having this cancer further rises by factors such as being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and not getting enough exercise. Additional lifestyle variables that can contribute to an increased risk include tobacco use and heavy alcohol intake. These choices not only have an effect on a person's general health but also have the potential to produce an environment within the colon that encourages the growth of malignant tumors.

4. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel illnesses (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis do represent a high risk for the development of colon cancer. The chronic inflammation that characterizes such conditions can lead to changes in cells over time, raising the risk of colon cancer. As a result, persons with IBD must undergo regular screening and medical management in order to detect and address any precancerous alterations as soon as possible. This highlights the necessity of comprehensive therapy for IBD patients in order to lower their risk of colon cancer and enhance overall health outcomes.

5. Polyps

Polyps are small tumors that can grow in the colon. While not all polyps are tumors, some, such as adenomatous polyps, have the potential to become so over time. Regular colonoscopies and screenings can identify and remove these polyps before they proceed to cancer. Doctors can identify and remove these precancerous adenomatous polyps via a colonoscopy, lowering the chance of them progressing to colon cancer. This emphasizes the need of screenings to preserve colon health and prevent colorectal cancer.

6. Environmental Factors

Research has shown that several environmental factors, such as exposure to chemicals and pollutants, may have a role in the onset of colon cancer. However, no definitive connections between these external factors and colon cancer have been shown, and more research is needed. It's not always easy to tease apart the effects of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle variables. Further study into the relationship between environmental exposures and colon cancer risk is necessary to better guide preventative efforts and reduce environmental hazards.

The Final Words

Colon cancer is a complex disease that has many risk factors. Age and genetics are two of the variables that no one can change, but lifestyle decisions and early diagnosis can. You can dramatically reduce your risk of developing colon cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle, obtaining frequent screenings, and learning about your family history. Remember that early identification and intervention are critical to successful treatment, so if you have worries about your risk of colon cancer, don't hesitate to visit a healthcare expert. You can also consider contacting specialized medical facilities, such as the Gastroenterology Kloof Hospital, which can provide a patient-centered approach, technical experience, and cutting-edge technology to further improve colon cancer prevention.