Cancer :: 5 Factors That Can Increase Your Colon Cancer Risk ::
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By Thomas Parker
Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the final section of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum). It is one of the most widespread cancers in the UK and causes over 16,000 deaths each year. There are a number of risk factors associated with this type of cancer. In this article I will be discussing these risks and hopefully helping you avoid this potentially lethal condition.
1) GETTING OLDER: Unfortunately the number one risk factors for colorectal cancer is completely beyond our control. Over 85% of these cancers are diagnosed in people aged 60 or over. The reason for this is that most colorectal cancers come from polyps (fleshy growths) in the colon. Most of these polyps are harmless but they can become cancerous. As we age our chances of developing polyps increases and therefore so does our risk of developing this type of cancer.
2) EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION: Drinking too much alcohol is another factor that increases your colon cancer risk. Although some studies do suggest that drinking wine in moderation can lower your bowel cancer risk, the evidence is almost unanimous that heavy drinking is linked with this and other types of cancer too.
3) POOR EATING HABITS: It's not just what you drink that can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. What you eat is believed to have an impact too. According to a large study from European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) eating too much red meat and not getting enough fibre can increase your chances of developing this type of cancer whilst eating fish regularly can reduce your bowel cancer risk.
4) FAMILY HISTORY OF COLON CANCER: This is another risk factor which is beyond our control. If a first degree relative such as a parent, brother or sister develops this type of cancer before the age of 60 then it increases your risk of developing the disease early too. On top of this other inherited diseases can increase your risk as well.
5) NOT GETTING ENOUGH EXERCISE: A lack of regular exercise is another colon cancer risk factor. Exercise stimulates a muscular contraction called peristalsis which helps waste move through your colon. Therefore, by exercising regularly you can quickly move waste through your bowel meaning that there is less of a chance of this waste leaking through into your body's tissues.
As you can see there are a number of bowel cancer risks. Some of these are within your control and some are beyond it. However, I hope this article has given you an insight into these risks so that you can take preventative action. In particular, drinking less, improving your diet and becoming more active can all act to protect you against this potentially lethal type of cancer.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. For more detailed information on colon cancer risks please visit Tom's free Fitness Tips blog.
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