5 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Colon Cancer

1.What are the causes of colorectal cancer?

Colon cancer occurs when there is a changes in the DNA inside our cells. Some genes help to control when our cells grows, divide into new cells or die. When there is DNA mutation or changes to the colon cells, this leads to cells growing out of control and lead to abnormal growth, and eventually cancer formation. Specifically for colon cancer, this abnormal growth is known as colon polyp.

2. What is the most common age of people who get colorectal cancer?

Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, but a majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50 years old.

3. What other factors contribute to getting colorectal cancer?

The exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, but certain risk factors are strongly linked to colon cancer including older age, diet, tobacco smoking, and heavy alcohol use. Also people with certain hereditary cancer syndromes or family history of colorectal cancer have high risk of developing the disease.

4. Is it common for young people to get colorectal cancer?

Based on National cancer registry, between 2011-2015, about 10,000 colorectal cancer was diagnosed, about 5.5% colon cancer affect people age 45 below for both male and female which about 500 cases.

5. Is colorectal cancer hereditary?

There are certain inherited condition that increases the risk of getting colorectal cancer, these conditions are known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer ( HNPCC, also known as lynch syndrome). These 2 conditions are rare and only responsible less than 5% cases of all colorectal cancer

If you are age 45 and above, with family history of colon cancer, changed in bowel habit. Speak to a gastroenterologist to find out more how to prevent colon cancer.

Colon Cancer is preventable under good care.