What causes colon cancer?

If you’re under 50, there’s an urgent health trend you need to be aware of.
Over recent decades, data reveals a troubling increase in colon cancer cases in young adults.
Strikingly, this cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) between the ages of 20 and 49.
This marks a significant shift from the 1990s when it ranked fourth. This concern signals a critical need for awareness and early screening in younger populations.
What are the main colon cancer causes in young adults?
Healthy cells in the body typically divide and expand to maintain appropriate function. However, when a cell’s DNA gets damaged, it may keep dividing even when it doesn’t need to produce new cells. As the cells multiply, this becomes a tumor. Cancer cells can eventually infiltrate and kill adjacent normal tissue. Then, malignant cells spread to other areas of the body and deposit there, a process known as metastasis.
Numerous explanations for this concentrate on lifestyle choices and medical problems linked to colon cancer. On the list are:
- Rising prevalence of obesity: Researchers find a clear link between colorectal cancer and body weight. An additional twenty pounds (10 kg) increases the risk of colon cancer by 8%.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Long periods of sitting while performing a desk job or watching TV have been shown to increase the risk of colon cancer.
- Lack of exercise: Worldwide, it is estimated that 27% of individuals do not engage in the recommended physical activity. Given that exercise appears to protect against colorectal cancer, that is concerning.
- Diet: People often overeat red meat in addition to processed, high-fat, low-fiber foods, which raises their risk of colon cancer. Furthermore, diets frequently lack fruits and vegetables, which benefit health.
- Smoking: Reports suggest that although cigarette smoking is declining generally, it is still more common among adults between the age of 25 and 44. It has been determined that smoking causes colorectal cancer.
- Drinking alcohol: According to the National Cancer Institute, drinking alcohol in moderation to excessive amounts raises the risk of colon and rectal cancer.
Individuals who are more likely to develop colorectal cancer and who typically require earlier and more frequent screenings for the illness include those who have:
- History of colon cancer in the family.
- Gastrointestinal diseases (such as Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis).
- Some genetic syndromes (such as familial adenomatous polyposis, or FAP, and Lynch syndrome).
Also Read: What Are The Different Types Of Colorectal Surgery?
Symptoms of colon cancer
Many colorectal tumors and polyps are asymptomatic, especially in the early stages of their development. When symptoms do appear, they frequently manifest as:
- Modifications to bowel routines
- Diarrhea, constipation, or the sensation that the intestine is not emptying
- Stool containing blood
- Abdominal pain combined with aches or cramps that don’t go away on their own
- Unexpected weight reduction
- Bowel problems and abdominal pain are not the only signs of the illness.
- Iron deficiency, whether anemia is present, is the most common hematological symptom in cancer patients, especially those with colon cancer.
Also Read: Know The Warning Signs: Common And Specific Rectal Cancer Symptoms
Keep an eye out for the causes of colon cancer
Understand family history:
Your genetic makeup can tell much about your risk. Finding out if a close family has ever received treatment for advanced colon polyps or colorectal cancer is crucial.
Schedule a screening:
When the time comes, use the resources available to get tested. Because colon cancer grows slowly, you have a chance to detect it before it becomes a severe health concern. Schedule regular screenings even if you are in your 30s.
Keep a check on your lifestyle to understand causes of colon cancer:
- Get more exercise.
- Reduce your sitting.
- Reduce the red meat on your plate and increase the amount of fruit and vegetables.
- Give up smoking and consumption of alcohol.
Also Read: How To Prevent Colon Cancer?
Consult our expert – Dr. Daniel Serralta
Dr. Daniel Serralta, a pre-eminent proctologist in Dubai, is renowned for his proficiency in laparoscopic surgery and comprehensive care in the treatment of colon cancer. With over twenty years of dedicated experience, Dr. Serralta is a specialist in managing complex abdominal disorders affecting the rectum, anus, and the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Serralta’s approach combines cutting-edge techniques with compassionate care tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. His commitment to excellence in surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction makes him a trusted name in gastrointestinal health care.
Whether you seek preventative care, diagnosis, or treatment options for gastrointestinal ailments, Dr. Serralta’s extensive expertise ensures the highest standard of care.