Colorectal cancer is one of the world’s most common and deadly cancers, often showing no symptoms in early stages. While genetics matter, lifestyle and environment also greatly affect the risk.
Knowing the causes and risk factors helps with early detection and prevention. Here are key risk – increasing factors, warning signs, and preventive measures.
High – Risk Groups
Some people are more likely to get colorectal cancer because of genetics, medical history, or lifestyle. If you’re in these groups, regular screenings and lifestyle changes can lower your risk.
- People with untreated chronic ulcerative colitis may have long – term inflammation and ulcers in the colon, raising the cancer risk. The longer the inflammation lasts, the higher the chance of cancerous changes in the colon lining.
- Having a first – degree relative (parent or sibling) with colorectal cancer doubles or triples the risk, especially if the relative was diagnosed before 60.
- Colorectal cancer is more common in those over 50, but cases in younger adults are rising. Some are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s, though the numbers are still lower at these ages.
- Certain polyps, especially large or multiple ones, increase the risk. Regular colonoscopies can find and remove polyps before they turn cancerous.
Lifestyle – Related Risk Factors
Lifestyle choices have a big impact on the risk of colorectal cancer. A healthier lifestyle can lower your chances.
- Diet: A diet high in processed foods and animal fats is linked to the disease. Risks include too much red meat (especially processed like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs), foods with preservatives and additives (pickled, smoked, or highly processed), and low fiber intake which slows digestion and builds up toxins in the colon.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise and too much sitting contribute to obesity and increase cancer risk. It leads to slow digestion and longer exposure to digestive toxins.
- Obesity: Excess body fat causes inflammation, changes hormone levels, and raises the risk, especially for aggressive tumors in obese people.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking is linked to many cancers, including colorectal cancer. Smokers are at a much higher risk of getting and dying from it.
- Heavy Alcohol Intake: Alcohol damages the intestinal lining, changes gut bacteria, and causes inflammation, all of which can lead to cancer.
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