Colon cancer is a kind of cancer, which starts in the colon or the large intestine. The colon is the digestive tract’s last part. Usually, colon cancer affects older adults. However, it can happen at any age. It usually starts as benign, non-cancerous, small cell clumps known as polyps, which appear on the colon’s inside. Over time, these may develop into colon cancers. What causes colon cancer? Let us find out.

1. Causes
As such, there is no clarity on what causes colon cancer. It may be either acquired or inherited or may be caused by genetic mutations. However, with mutations, too, there is no guarantee that you will develop colorectal cancer, and it does aggravate your chances of developing cancer. At times, the mutations may cause the abnormal cells to crowd the colon’s lining. This may lead to the formation of benign polyps. To prevent cancer, the doctor may recommend removing the polyps via surgery. If the polyps are untreated, they can take cancerous forms.

2. Risk Factors
The main risk factors of colon cancer are

• Being Obese or Overweight
  If you are overweight, your risk of developing colon cancer is high. Being obese heightens your risk of developing colon cancer in both men and women, but the risk is more significant in men. Weight management lowers the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Age
  Your risk of developing colon cancer heightens as you grow older. Colorectal cancer is more prevalent in people over the age group of fifty. This does not mean that younger adults do not get colon cancer.
• Certain Health Conditions
  Some health conditions that aggravate your risk of developing colon cancer are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Diabetes
  When you have diabetes, you suffer from insulin resistance. This can aggravate your risk of developing colon cancer.
• Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption
  Smokers have a greater risk of developing colon cancer than non-smokers. Moreover,  c onsumption of a heavy dose of alcohol may also heighten your risk of developing colon cancer.
• Radiation Therapy
  If you have had radiation therapy directed at the abdomen as a treatment measure for any other kind of cancer, then that too may increase your risk of developing colon cancer.
• Certain Diets
  If you follow a diet that has a high intake of red meats, such as liver, lamb, pork, or beef, or the processed meats, such as luncheon meats and hot dogs, then that, too, may aggravate your risk of developing colon cancer. Further, meal preparation at a high temperature, such as grilling, broiling, or frying, leads to a release of certain chemicals, which can aggravate your risk of developing cancer.

If there is less vitamin D in your blood, then that too may aggravate your risk of developing colon cancer. Switching to a healthy diet, which includes a good combination of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, and keeping processed meats and red meats out of your diet can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.