Colorectal cancer is a form of tumor in the colon or rectum. It develops when cells in the region undergo a mutation and grow out of control. While the actual cause is unknown, some risk factors are suggested by recent studies. These include age, lifestyle, genetics, and certain diseases that can trigger cell mutation.
To better understand colorectal cancer, let’s look at the following risk factors associated with it:
Age
The average age of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 68 years old. However, this type of cancer can be detected as early as 45 years old. With that said, colorectal cancer is associated with aging.
Unhealthy lifestyle
One of the risk factors pointed out by researchers is an unhealthy lifestyle. As the colon and rectum are within our digestive system, bad habits such as drinking alcohol and eating excessive meat may lead to such disease.
Another bad habit linked to this type of cancer is being inactive. Denying your body the proper exercise it needs can cause some organs such as the colon and rectum to get damaged or weaken.
Smoking may also cause the development of colorectal cancer.
Genetics
Like many other types of cancer, genetics has a huge factor in developing colorectal cancer. Sometimes too, it enables early detection of the disease. If you happened to be related to someone who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend you to undergo colonoscopy at 45.
Certain diseases
There are certain diseases associated with developing colorectal cancer that was observed in previous cases. Obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Type II Diabetes are said to be common among colorectal cancer patients.
Now, what you need to do to lessen the chance of acquiring this type of cancer is to stay healthy. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables instead of meat. Give your body regular exercise. Most of all, avoid smoking and drinking as both damages the body severely. It is also advised to visit a colorectal clinic as early as a symptom shows.
