Colon cancer is caused by DNA mutations in the cells of the inner lining of the colon or rectum, which make cells grow out of control and form tumors (often starting as benign polyps). While doctors do not always know the exact trigger for these mutations, several key risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Colon Cancer Can Start With a Polyp

Colon polyps are tiny growths that are located in the colon's lining. The majority of polyps aren't cancerous. However, some types may gradually change and develop into cancer over time.

This is the reason why screening is so beneficial. Through a colonoscopy, physicians can detect polyps and then remove the polyps before they develop into cancer.

A polyp doesn't mean someone has colon cancer. In some cases, getting rid of it could actually stop cancer from forming.

Age Matters

The chance of colon cancer increases with age. Most cases are discovered around the age of 50 and above. However, younger patients may develop colon cancer, too.

This is the reason age is one of the factors doctors take into consideration when deciding whether screenings are necessary.

For those who are at moderate risk of developing the disease, screening is advised at age 45, as per different guidelines. For those with a history of the disease or additional risk factors, it may be necessary to start earlier.

Family History Can Increase the Risk

If there is a case of colon cancer in your immediate family members, you could be at increased risk.

This becomes very critical if the case of colon cancer is from a parent, sibling, brother, or daughter in the family. Age at diagnosis becomes relevant in this situation as well.

Family history by itself is no guarantee of cancer. However, this information is one that needs to be shared with the physician.

Previous Polyps Can Matter

A person with a history of particular kinds of colon polyps is more likely to develop colon cancer.

Such factors as the kind of polyps, their size, and quantity may play a role here. This explains why the doctor may recommend conducting a colonoscopy procedure sooner than in the case of people who have never had a polyp.

The timing of the procedure is usually defined by the results of the first colonoscopy and pathology.

Some Bowel Diseases Raise the Risk

Some chronic conditions of the intestines may raise the risk of developing colon cancer.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are just two such diseases. These chronic conditions are more directly related to the development of colon cancer, particularly where the whole colon is involved.

The screening procedures for such patients may differ from those who are at average risk.

What You Eat May Play a Role

Diet can also affect colon cancer risk.

Eating a lot of red meat and processed meat has been linked with a higher risk. On the other hand, a diet that includes more fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains is generally considered better for colon health.

This does not mean that eating a particular food will directly cause colon cancer. Cancer usually develops because of several factors coming together over time.

Weight and Lack of Exercise Can Add to the Risk

Being overweight or obese has been linked with a higher risk of colon cancer.

Regular physical activity, on the other hand, appears to lower the risk. This does not mean that someone who exercises regularly cannot get colon cancer. It simply means that staying active is one of the habits that may help reduce the risk.

Even simple activities such as walking regularly can be a useful part of a healthy routine.

Smoking and Alcohol Are Also Linked to Colon Cancer

Smoking is known to increase the risk of several cancers, including colon cancer. The risk can also be higher with regular or heavy alcohol use.

These are risk factors that can be changed. Quitting smoking and keeping alcohol intake low can help reduce cancer risk and improve overall health.

Diabetes May Increase the Risk Too

People with type 2 diabetes have been found to have a higher risk of colon cancer.

The exact reason is not completely clear. Insulin and other changes linked with type 2 diabetes may play a role.

Having diabetes does not mean that colon cancer will develop. It is simply another factor doctors may consider when looking at a person's overall risk.

Some People Have Inherited Cancer Risk

A small number of people inherit gene changes that make colon cancer more likely.

Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are two well-known examples. These conditions can cause colon cancer to develop at a younger age and may lead to more frequent screening.

If several relatives have had colon cancer or related cancers, especially at a young age, doctors may suggest genetic counselling or testing.

Colon Cancer Can Happen Without a Clear Risk Factor

This is something many people find surprising.

A person may have no known family history, may not have bowel disease and may live a fairly healthy lifestyle, yet still develop colon cancer.

That is why screening matters even when someone feels completely well. Screening is not only for people who already have symptoms or known risk factors.

Can Colon Cancer Risk Be Reduced?

Some risk factors cannot be altered. This includes your age, your family history, and genetic diseases.

There are aspects to be improved. Being healthy, staying active and physically active, avoiding smoking, restricting alcohol consumption, and consuming a balanced, healthy diet are just a few examples. The risk of developing cancer can be reduced.

Another essential aspect is being regularly checked. For certain polyps, screenings could detect cancer before it grows. They also aid in reducing the risk of colon cancer because they can detect the cancer at an earlier, more manageable stage.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

A doctor should be consulted when there is a clear history of colon cancer in the family, prior colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or any other reason to believe that the risk might be greater. 

The signs of bloody sludge in the stool, a permanent change in your bowel habits, unresolved weight loss, constant abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue shouldn't be ruled out. 

These signs can be caused by reasons that are not related to cancer; however, they should be evaluated instead of being attributed to indigestion, piles, or simply a stomach issue without conducting a thorough examination.

Why Choose Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad?

Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad is the Best Surgical Oncologist in India with more than 20 years of experience in complex cancer surgeries.

He holds an MCh in Surgical Oncology and has received advanced training at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, with international training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, and IRCAD Taiwan.

His areas of expertise include:

• Colon and colorectal cancers
• Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers
• Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancers
• Liver cancers
• Pancreatic cancers
• Minimally invasive cancer surgery
• Robotic cancer surgery

For patients diagnosed with colon cancer, treatment planning may involve surgery, medical oncology, pathology, radiology and other specialists. The appropriate treatment is selected according to the cancer's stage, location and biology.

Related Treatments

• HIPEC Surgery
• Whipple Surgery
• Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery
• Liver Cancer Surgery
• Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
• Gallbladder Cancer Surgery
• Neuroendocrine Tumour Surgery
• Sphincter-Saving Surgery
• Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Treatment
• Chemo Port Insertion

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Conclusion

Colon cancer can develop for many different reasons, and sometimes there is no obvious reason at all. Age, family history, previous polyps, certain bowel diseases, diet, weight, physical activity, smoking and alcohol can all affect a person's risk.

The important thing is not to panic over one risk factor. Instead, the focus should be on understanding the overall risk and getting screening at the right time.

For people who need evaluation or treatment for suspected or diagnosed colon cancer, Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, a Surgical Oncologist with over 20 years of experience, provides specialised care based on the type and stage of cancer and the patient's individual condition.

FAQs

What is the greatest risk factor for colon cancer?

Age is one of the main risk factors for colon cancer. As a rule, the risk grows with age; however, younger patients may be affected too.

Can colon cancer be developed by a healthy individual?

Certainly. A patient may have this disease regardless of the absence of known risk factors.

Are polyps able to transform into colon cancer?

Indeed, certain polyps may gradually develop into colon cancer over several years.

Does red meat consumption lead to colon cancer?

Certainly, high consumption of red meat (especially processed) is associated with the risk of colon cancer; however, this does not mean that a consumption of meat automatically leads to this condition.

Is there any link between family history and risk of colon cancer?

Sure, there is such a link. Having relatives who had colon cancer may increase this risk.