Causes of colon cancer
Polyps: Polyps are small growths of cells that grow on the inside of the colon. While most of them are harmless, some types of polyps (adenomatous polyps) can become cancerous over time.
Lifestyle:
Diet: Eating too much red meat (beef, mutton) and processed meat (for example, sausage, ham) increases the risk.
Lack of fiber: A diet low in fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, and grains) is one cause.
Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle.
Being overweight: People who are obese are more likely to develop colon cancer.
Smoking and drinking: Long-term smoking and heavy drinking increase the risk of cancer.
Age: This cancer is more common in people over 50 years of age. However, it is now also seen in young people.
Genetics: If someone in your family has had bowel cancer, it is likely that you will also get it. Diseases caused by genetic changes (Gene mutations) are important in this.
Other health problems: People with ‘inflammatory bowel disease’ (IBD) or chronic inflammation of the intestines (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) are more likely to get bowel cancer.
Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes have a slightly higher risk of bowel cancer.
