What are the Risk Factors of Colon Cancer

What are the risk factors of colon cancer that you should know? Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is a malignancy originating from the large intestine tissue, consisting of the colon and rectum.

Colorectal cancer or colon cancer in Indonesia, the incidence is number 3 in the world, with fairly high mortality. Based on Globocan 2012 data, the prevalence of colon cancer patients in Indonesia is 12.8 per 100,000 adult population.

With a mortality rate of 9.5 percent of all cancer cases. In Indonesia, 51 percent of all patients are under 50 years old and 28.17 percent of patients under 40 years old.

Meanwhile, there are five hundred million new cases of colon cancer and more than 200,000 deaths in Europe. Colon cancer is the 3rd most common type of cancer in men and the second most common type of cancer in women globally.

What are the Risk Factors of Colon Cancer that You Should Know of

The risk of the disease tends to be less in women than in men. Many other factors can increase an individual's risk of developing colorectal cancer. Here are some of them:

1. Age

Almost the same as various other diseases, colon cancer will increase the risk with age. More than 90 percent of colon or colorectal cancer cases are experienced by someone aged 50 years or older.

2. Family history of cancer patients

What are the risk factors of colon cancer? Having a family who has suffered from cancer is one of the main risk factors for you to get similar cancer or other types of cancer. This family history or heredity factor cannot be modified, because it is genetic, but still, cancer can be avoided.

3. History of colitis

Colitis is a chronic inflammation of the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and the last part of the large intestine that connects to the anus (rectum). Colitis is a chronic infectious disease of the large intestine that cannot be modified as a risk factor for colorectal cancer.

4. History of polyps

As with colitis, those of you who have a history of bowel polyps should also be aware that this disease is a non-modifiable risk factor for colorectal cancer.

5. Habit of consuming red meat

Next, what are the risk factors of colon cancer? Consuming red meat especially overcooked ones is one of the triggers of cancer.

6. Lack of activity

As is known, sufficient physical activity will greatly help the body avoid various disease problems, including colorectal cancer. Physical activity issues, such as exercising regularly and reducing slack will help your body stay healthy and fit, and this can be modified by yourself.

The American Cancer Society recommends that at least 30 minutes per day and 5 times a week, it lowers the risk of cancer to a very low level.

7. Obesity

Obesity is always associated as a risk factor for various diseases, including colorectal cancer. In fact, at its worst, obesity in people who already have colorectal cancer can actually complicate the treatment process for these patients.

How to Prevent Colon Cancer

This cancer is not easily detected from the symptoms. Doctors recommend that people at risk such as those in their 50s consider colon cancer screening.

In addition, you can use ways to avoid colon cancer which can later damage changes in your health condition. It’s recommended to consume a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain vitamins, which can reduce the risk of this cancer. You can also do regular exercise, at least thirty minutes each exercise. If it is active, it will gradually increase.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is indeed one of the most important ways to avoid colon cancer. Knowing what are the risk factors of colon cancer can help you to be more careful.l