Colon cancer - Causes

Most cancers develop from polyps in the colon which have been present for years. While the polyp itself is not cancer, it can change over time and its cells start dividing out of control.

Dietary factors appear to play a role in developing colon cancer. Populations that eat a high-fat, low-fiber diet have a higher incidence of colon cancer. However, one study showed that people treated and in remission from colon cancer did not have a lower risk of recurrence when provided a diet low in fat and high fiber. There is also evidence that cigarette smoke may increase your risk of colon cancer.

In general, the following factors seem to increase your risk:

• Over age 50
• Family history of colon cancer.
• Personal history of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, breast, or endometrium.
• History of polyps in the colon.
• History of Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease.
  

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