Colon Cancer, Are You At RiskColon cancer does not have to be a fatal disease. Early detection will oftentimes save an individual's life. A list of risk factors has been developed by researchers. Some of these factors are genetic but others can be controlled by the individual. These factors are diet and exercise habits. Colon cancer occurs at any age but is more common after the age of 50. Diets that are high in fat and calories while low in fiber combined with lack of exercise seem to be the more common factors that contribute to the development of colon cancer. Occasionally individuals develop growths in the colon called “polyps”. These are non-cancerous growths that develop on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. These polyps can be genetic and inherited but most times they are not. There is also the increased likelihood that an individual with polyps will develop colon cancer. An incidence of multiple polyps leads to an increased liklihood of colon cancer development if the polyps are left untreated. Women who have had previous cancers, especially uterine, breast, or ovarian cancers, are at an increased risk to develop cancer of the colon. Also, prior diagnosis with colon cancer leads to a higher chance of reoccurrence. Family history contributes to the risk factor list. If colon cancer runs in the family, an individual is considered to have a higher risk of developing the disease. The odds rise even higher if the family member was diagnosed at an early age. Furthermore, Ulcerative Colitis patients are at a greater risk also. Doctors are never certain who will or will not get colon cancer. They can, however, factor in the odds when they have gathered all of the information from an individual's family history. Someone who has had Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Crohn's Disease may have a higher chance of getting colon cancer. However, it is not guaranteed that colon cancer will develop. The odds are only increased when one factors in these pre-conditions. Everyone should be screened for colon cancer but especially those at high risk for developing the disease. Those individuals should consult their physician for regular exams and screenings. This Is A Snippet To Read More, Click Here!
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