Here are some of the risk factors for colon cancer:
- Age: The risk of colon cancer increases with age. Most cases of colon cancer are diagnosed in people over the age of 50.
- Family history: People with a family history of colon cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease.
- Personal history: People who have had polyps in their colon are at increased risk of developing colon cancer. Polyps are small growths that can develop on the lining of the colon.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: People with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, are at increased risk of developing colon cancer.
- Diet: A diet high in red meat and processed meats is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Lack of physical activity: People who are physically inactive are at increased risk of colon cancer.
- Obesity: People who are obese are at increased risk of colon cancer.
- Race: African Americans are more likely to develop colon cancer than white people.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop colon cancer than women.
If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your doctor about getting screened for colon cancer. Screening tests can help to detect colon cancer early, when it is most treatable.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of colon cancer, including:
- Eating a healthy diet: This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercising regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help to reduce your risk of colon cancer.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking increases the risk of many types of cancer, including colon cancer.
- Limiting alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of colon cancer.
- Getting screened for colon cancer: Starting at age 45, talk to your doctor about getting screened for colon cancer.
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