Colorectal cancer or colon cancer in short is one of the most common types of cancer and 1 in every 20 people have the chances of having it. But is it hereditary? The short answer is: sometimes and while genetics can play an important role in the development of colon cancer, it’s not the only factor responsible for the occurrence of colon cancer. Many other lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the risk.
Causes of Colon Cancer
Following are the three main causes of Colon Cancer:
Sporadic Colon Cancer:
affecting approximately 50-60% people the sporadic colon cancer happens by chance and in most cases people are the first case of colon cancer in their families.
Familial Colon Cancer:
This represents 20-40% cases and involves people with family history of multiple people suffering from colon cancer with no known hereditary cause. People with a familial history of colon cancer should get routine cancer screenings every 5 years.
Hereditary Colon Cancer
This is caused by genetic reasons mainly due to genetic mutation and makes up only 4%-6% of the total number of cases of colon cancer. The only way to know if one is predisposed to hereditary colon cancer is through a comprehensive genetic test for cancer risk.
Also Read: Rectal Cancer Diet: Recommended Foods and Avoidances
Understanding Hereditary Colon Cancer
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP):This is a rare genetic condition that predisposes individuals to developing numerous polyps in the colon and rectum. These polyps can eventually become cancerous.
Lynch Syndrome:Also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), this condition increases the risk of colon cancer, as well as other cancers like endometrial, ovarian, and stomach cancer.
Other Genetic Factors:While FAP and Lynch Syndrome are the most well-known hereditary colon cancer syndromes, there may be other genetic factors that contribute to the risk.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors for Colon Cancer
Even if you don’t have a family history of colon cancer, certain lifestyle choices can increase your risk:
- A diet high in red meat and processed foods, and low in fiber, has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.
- Excess weight can increase the risk of colon cancer.
- Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
- Smoking is a known risk factor for colon cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase the risk.
Screening for Colon Cancer
Regardless of your family history, it’s important to get regular colon cancer screenings. These screenings can help detect and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
Conclusion
If you have a family history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about when you should start screenings. They can help determine your individual risk and recommend the best screening schedule for you.