Colon cancer is also referred to as colorectal cancer or large bowel cancer and is specific to a disease that induces cancerous growths within the rectum, colon and appendix. It is the third most observed kind of cancer in human populations and is the third main cause of cancer related deaths in the western hemisphere. It has been discovered that the cancer may come about because of polyps that are within the intestines. Although these growths are normally benign they can mutate into malignant tumours. This sort of cancer is usually identified using colonoscopy. It is expectedly treated with surgery proceeded by the application of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to destroy any remaining portions of cancer cells.

What causes colon cancer

There are several risk factors that will heighten an individuals odds of developing this devastating disease. Some of these factors are highlighted below with a short description of each.

• A diet that is greatly saturated with fat is a generally known factor in triggering the development of the disease. Studies have declared that a diet that is high in fat, low in fibre and that maintains large portions of red meat may influence the development of the disease. It has been speculated that the digestion of fat in the intestines may help propagate carcinogenic chemicals. Subsequently, it is recommended that an individual consumes vegetables and foods that are high in fibre to help expel the carcinogenic waste products from the intestines.
• As stated earlier colon polyps apparently play a relatively large role in the materialization of the disease. These polyps arise as a result of faults to the chromosomes in the cell lining of the colon. This progresses into the formation of small benign entities. Though these simplistically minute growths are benign they have the ability to transform into cancerous growths over a period of years. Subsequently, it is vital to have any existing polyps screened by a doctor to decrease the probability that they will lead to cancerous growths.
• A person may additionally be genetically predisposed to developing the disease. If an individual has a family history of the disease then his or her odds are higher for developing the inherited condition, especially if the disease has affected a close relative or more than one relative. The age the disease became apparent in family members will also heighten the likelihood of early onset of the disease in the individual.
• If a person has ever been stricken with another form of cancer especially those affecting the reproductive system including breast, ovary, and uterine cancer the probability of developing the disease will be greatly increased.
• People who have Chron’s Disease also have a much higher risk of developing the condition. Because Chron’s disease affects the colon, degeneration overtime to this specific area will generally influence cancerous growths. It is advisable that patients with the disease are regularly screened for the disease by their physician to discover any early formation of the disease.
• If an individual is afflicted with ulcerative colitis which induces inflammation of the inner lining of the colon he or she will be at a greater risk of developing the condition. Generally the materialization of colon cancer in patients with this disease typically occurs after 8-10 years of having the disease.

The quicker the disease is discovered the better the outlook for any patient. If it is not identified in the early stages it may move to other organs and cause potential death.