However, in adults younger than 50 years, the number of new colon cancer cases has slowly increased since 1998. .
Causes.
There is no single cause of colon cancer. Nearly all colon cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) polyps, which slowly develop into cancer. A colon polyp is a growth on the surface of the colon. While there is no specific cause of colon cancer, certain factors can increase risk of developing the disease. (Colon Cancer).
Risk Factors.
A person has a high risk of colon cancer if they:.
Are older than 60.
Are African American or Eastern European descent.
Eat a lot of red or processed meats.
Have colon polyps.
Have inflammatory bowel disease .
Have a family history of colon cancer.
Have a personal history of breast cancer.
Certain inherited diseases also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Two of the most common are:.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome. .
What a person eats may play a role in the risk of developing colon cancer. Colon cancer may be linked to a high-fat, low-fiber diet. Some studies, though, have found that the risk does not drop if a person switches to a high-fiber diet, so this link is not yet clear. (Colon Cancer Treatment).
Signs and Symptoms.
Colon cancer can strike without any signs or symptoms. One of the early signs of colon cancer might be bleeding. However, tumors often bleed only small amounts, off and on, so that evidence of the blood is found only during chemical testing of the stool, which is called a fecal occult blood test. When tumors have grown larger, other signs and symptoms might develop. .
Signs & Symptoms of Colon Cancer.
Change in bowel habits .
Blood on or in the stool .
Unexplained anemia (decrease in number of red blood cells).
Unusual abdominal pain or bloating .
Unexplained weight loss .
Vomiting .
Back Pain.
Signs or symptoms of Colon Cancer should be reported as soon as possible.