Colorectal cancer is a cancer that affects the large intestine or rectum. It is completely curable if detected early. The main factors that lead to this are:
Unhealthy diet: A diet low in fiber and high in red meat and processed meat (for example, sausage and bacon) increases the risk of colon cancer. This can cause changes in the cells of the colon.
Age: Colon cancer can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over 50 years of age. This is because the risk of genetic changes in the cells increases with age.
Heredity and genetic factors: If someone in the family has colon cancer or polyps in the colon, it is likely to be passed on to the next generation. Genetic changes such as Lynch syndrome can also cause this.
Lifestyle factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption double the risk of cancer. Excess body fat can cause inflammation in the intestines and promote the growth of cancer cells.
Chronic bowel diseases: Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as long-term ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, can lead to cancer over time.