Colon cancer is a serious medical condition when a malignant tumor develops in the large intestine due to the rapid multiplication of cells. It is the third most prevalent type of cancer in America, and as of 2017, there had been approximately 95520 estimated new patients detected in the country In most of the cases, cancer starts as a benign cluster of cells or adenomatous polyp in the colon. If colon cancer occurs together with rectal cancer, then oncologists term it as colorectal cancer.

Risk of colon cancer
Though colon cancer may occur in any individual, there are certain risk factors which increase the chances of developing this disease.

•   Age
  The chances of developing colon cancer increase manifold after the person crosses 50 years. The recent findings of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that 90 percent of colon cancer is detected in individuals aged 50 years or older. This does not mean that young adults do not get this cancer. However, chances of it are sporadic and not linked to genetic syndromes.
• Ethnicity and race
  Ethnicity is also a significant factor that influences the chances of contracting colon cancer. Research has found that African-American individuals have a higher risk of the disease than Caucasians. People of Jewish Eastern European descent also have a greater risk of developing the disease.
• Obesity
  Obese people have a 30 percent higher chance of developing colon cancer than those having their body weight within the standard range. However, the good news is that regular physical activity helps in reducing the chances of developing colon cancer.
• Personal history of colonic polyps
  Most cases of colon cancer develop from adenomatous polyps. The presence of multiple and larger polyps further increases the chances of cancer.
• Family history of colon cancer
  The chances of developing colon cancer increases if a parent or sibling also suffers from this disease. When multiple family members are diagnosed with this cancer, the risk increases manifold.

Prevention of colon cancer
There are a few ways of minimizing the chances of colon cancer which are essential to know about.

• Timely screening
  The American Cancer Society recommends screening for colon cancer after the age of 45. People having a family history should begin the process much earlier. The screen tests look for polyps and patients may be advised to get them surgically removed.
• Eating fruits, vegetables, and fibrous food
  Including an adequate quantity of fruits, vegetables, and fibrous food decreases the risk of colon cancer. It is better not to consume processed meats and red meat on a regular basis.
• Regular exercise
  Opting for a daily workout session of 30 minutes keeps the body fit and active and minimizes the chances of diseases.
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking
  Smoking and drinking increase the chances of colon cancer, so quitting or limiting these habits keeps cancer at bay.

  Colon cancer is a severe medical condition. However, regular screening, early detection, and modern treatment have improved the life expectancy of patients in the last decade.