What Causes Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer is the collective term for cancers originating in the colon and rectum. Medical personnel will commonly refer to it as colorectal cancer, due to the similarity in prognosis and the fact that tumors often develop in both areas of the intestines simultaneously. About 30 out of every 100,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. This incidence rate is suggestive of several contributing factors when compared with the lower rates in undeveloped countries. Survival rates depend upon a number of factors.

What are the Risk Factors of Bowel Cancer?

There is no one cause of bowel cancer. Instead researchers have discovered, through epidemiological sampling, several risk factors. Those exhibiting one or more of the following risk factors would do well to consider adopting a prevention plan, which should include lifestyle changes, familiarity with early symptoms, and a regular screening program. The latter precaution is especially important, since early detection of colorectal cancer leads to much higher survival rates.

Some risk factors cannot be changed, and these include:

Heredity

While genes are not everything, a family history of bowel cancer, or inflammation of intestinal polyps, is indicative of higher risk.

Age 

More than 90 percent of all bowel cancer diagnosed are in those over 50. The other 10 percent is in those age 40-50.

Race 

Statistically, African Americans are shown to have a greater risk. Considering the much lower incidence of bowel cancer in African countries, this increased risk may be due to socio-economic causes. Another sub-group of the population, Ashkenazai Jews, exhibit gene mutations accounting for higher risk. 

Prior Incidence 

Those who have had bowel cancer are at the greatest risk of being diagnosed again. Those diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, commonly called Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, face increased risk as well. Other risk factors are under the control of each individual. In contrast to other cancers, the following risk factors appear to play the strongest roles, outside of age, in predicting diagnosis of colorectal cancers.

Diet

A diet high in red meats and processed meats presents a much higher risk. High alcohol consumption and smoking are also high risk activities. While the effect of increasing dietary fiber is null, a diet high in whole fruits and vegetables will decrease other risk factors significantly. Scientific reviews show raw vegetables are best and allium vegetables (onions, garlic, leek, etc.) are particularly good for prevention, as are other foods that support digestive system health.

Exercise

Studies have shown a significant reduction in risk accompanies those who regularly exercise. It doesn't have to consist of extreme sports or full-impact exercising either. Yoga, walking and swimming are just as good. In addition, exercise greatly improves the prospects of long-term survival for those diagnosed.

Type 2 Diabetes

This is strongly linked to the above risk factors. Obesity, age, poor diet and binge drinking all contribute to Type 2 diabetes, which has in turn been shown to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.