Colon cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the colon, also known as the bowel or large intestine. If you’re wondering about its causes, the truth is that the exact reason for its development has not been identified yet. However, researchers have listed a variety of factors that increase an individual’s vulnerability to the condition. Read on to learn about the various risk factors associated with colon cancer.

1. Aging
The risk of colon cancer seems to increase with age. Data indicates that the majority of people diagnosed with the condition are over 50 years old. That said, people below 50 are also at risk of developing colon cancer. In fact, the risk of the disease is constantly rising among young people in recent years.

2. Obesity
Both men and women who are obese or quite overweight are more likely to develop colon cancer. The condition is slightly more common in men, especially among those who have a heavier midsection. Some studies have even linked the rising occurrence of colon cancer among young people to obesity.

3. A diet high in meat
People who consume lots of red meats (beef, lamb, and pork) and processed meats (ham, sausage, deli meats) are at an increased risk for colon cancer. In other words, a diet full of animal fat and cholesterol can contribute to the development of the disease.

4. Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
People who had colon cancer or rectal cancer in the past are more likely to develop the condition again. Even those who had colon polyps, which are abnormal growth in the lining of the colon, are more susceptible to the disease.

5. Inflammatory bowel diseases
Inflammatory bowel diseases refer to chronic or long-term inflammation of the digestive tract. The two most common types of inflammatory bowel diseases are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These conditions cause cellular changes in the bowel, which can eventually become cancerous. Researchers maintain that people who have or have had one of these conditions are more likely to develop colon cancer than other people.

6. Sedentary lifestyle
Several studies have identified the lack of physical activity as one of the major risk factors for colon cancer. This means people who spend lots of time in front of the TV or have jobs that require them to sit at one place for long hours are more likely to be affected by the disease.

7. Alcohol and smoking
Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing cancers in both the colon and rectum, especially in men. So, it’s crucial to strictly limit this habit. Likewise, smoking also increases the risk of both cancers. The good news is that quitting smoking at any point reduces the risk of the disease.

8. Family history of colon cancer
A person who has a parent, sibling, or child diagnosed with colon cancer is at higher risk of getting it himself or herself. Additionally, if a person has multiple family members diagnosed with the disease at some point, their chances of testing positive for the condition increase.