As a type of cancer common mostly in older adults, colon cancer starts with the growth of harmless polyps in the colon region. Cancerous growth and spread of these polyps might lead to severe and noticeable symptoms. Irregular bowel habits could be one symptom and so is rectal bleeding. The other symptoms mainly depend on the level of progress of cancer. For early diagnosis, one must understand what causes colon cancer.

Read on to know the five common causes of colon cancer

1. Obesity
BMI that is much higher than the normal range is a risk factor for colon cancer. This is a risk factor that can be easily averted by reducing body weight and maintaining it within the healthy range. Obesity increases the risk of colon cancer as well as rectal cancer. By following a healthy diet plan and staying physically active, it is easy to lower the risks.

2. Meat and cancer risks
If you are wondering what causes colon cancer, then you should aim at targeting the risk factors that are easy to avoid instead of those that cannot be changed, like hereditary factors. Diet is one such factor that you can easily control and lower cancer risks. Red meat has been linked with colon cancer risks. Digestion of some types of meat products like red meat results in the release of N-nitroso that can be harmful to the cells in the bowel region.

3. Poor digestive health
This could be due to several factors like the consumption of a low fiber diet. Persistent fiber deficiency leads to the deterioration of digestive health, and this can increase colon cancer risks in both men and women. The same is the case with high-fat food items. Unhealthy fat, when consumed in large quantities, turns out to be a burden on the digestive system and the colon in particular.

4. Alcohol and smoking
Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking have a strong role to play in the increase of cancer risks. Older people who might have colon cancer risks in their genes or people with inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome should cut back on smoking and drinking.

5. NSAIDs
Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might also increase the risks in the long run. Taking these medicines occasionally might not cause any issue, but the real problem is for people who take them regularly. These drugs can put adults at risk of colon or rectal cancer even if they are not old or have other unhealthy habits or obesity.

After knowing what causes colon cancer, it is easier to avoid the risk factors. Look out for the symptoms so that you can opt for treatment before cancer starts metastasizing.