At this time, we can't exactly pinpoint what causes colon cancer, but we do know what may make our risk of developing colon cancer greater. Risk factors for colon cancer include:
Age. As you age, your risk for developing colon cancer increases. Colon cancer most often occurs in adults over the age of 50, but it can still occur in younger adults.
Race and Ethnicity. African Americans are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer than any other race, although it is unclear why. Ashkenazi Jews (Jews of European descent) are also at high risk of developing colon cancer. Several inherited genetic mutations have been found in Ashkenazi Jews, which greatly contributes to their increased risk.
Family Medical History. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may be at a greater risk of developing the disease, too. A person does not need a family history of colon cancer to have colon cancer; it is most commonly diagnosed in those without a family history.
Personal Medical History. Having polyps, small growths in the colon, puts you at risk of developing colon cancer. Seventy percent to 90% of colon cancer cases develop from polyps, and having them removed reduces your risk of colon cancer. Once removed, they can return, which makes colon cancer screening a vital part of maintaining colon health. You are also more at risk if you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that causes the colon to become inflamed.
Genetics. Two inherited syndromes are commonly associated with a marked increase in colon cancer risk are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer(HNPCC). About 5% of colon cancer cases are caused by a inherited syndrome. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a much less common syndrome that is also associated with colon cancer.
Other Identified Risk Factors: There are many other identified colon cancer risk factors, such as smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol, level of physical activity, obesity, and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.source : cancer.about.com
