Who Is At Risk For Getting Colon Cancer?Colon cancer can be a fatal disease but early detection can save your life. Researchers have developed a list of risk factors, some are genetic and others can be changed in ways such as a change of diet as so forth. Colon cancer can occur at any age but is more likely after the age of 50. Factors that do contribute to colon cancer are people who have a diet that is high in fat and calories and low in fiber. Some people develop what is called “polyps”, these are non cancerous growths that appear on the wall of the colon or rectum. Sometimes these polyps are genetic and inherited but many times they are not. There is an increased likelihood that a person with polyps would develop colon cancer. When several of these polyps appear it is likely that they will turn cancerous if they are left untreated. Another high risk category is women who have had previous cancers, especially uterine, breast, or ovarian cancers. Also, if a person has already bee diagnosed with colon cancer there is a higher chance that it will return. Also, family history is a huge risk factor; if colon cancer runs in your family you are much more likely to get it. The odds rise even higher if your family member was diagnosed with it at a young age. Further, if you have had Ulcerative Colitis you are at a greater risk too. People who have hemorrhoids may not be at a greater risk but should be checked more regularly than those who don't. Doctors can never be exact on who will get colon cancer and who will not. They can only factor in the odds when they have gathered all of the information from your family history. If you have had Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Crohn's Disease have a higher chance of getting colon cancer but it doesn't mean that will get it. It only means that the odds are increased when you factor in these conditions. Everyone should be screened for colon cancer but especially those at high risk should consult their physician for regular screenings. |