causes of colon cancer

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And cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body to form deposits there (metastasis).Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of colon cancer consider colon cancer screening around age 50.

In: DeVita VT, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, eds. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Dorshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Age Age is the number one risk factorfor colon cancer. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include: 1. Genetics of Colorectal Cancer (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version.

As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.With time, the cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Dorshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Updated January 27, 2020. For reprint requests, please see our Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in your large intestine.If you notice any persistent symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor.Talk with your doctor about when to begin colon cancer screening. Get the Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Taking aspirin daily has some risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.These options are generally reserved for people with a high risk of colon cancer. If you have a family history of colorectal polyps or cancer or other symptoms linked to these syndromes, you may want to ask your doctor about genetic counseling and genetic testing.

Guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin around 50. A cell's DNA contains a set of instructions that tell a cell what to do.Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally.

Accessed February 7, 2020.Lawler M, Johnston B, Van Schaeybroeck S, Salto-Tellez M, Wilson R, Dunlop M, and Johnston PG. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing genetic testing with a qualified cancer genetics professional before any genetic testing is done.

DNA is the chemical in our cells that makes up our genes, which control how our cells function. Research. That said, young adults can get colon cancer too. ACS mourns the passing of Chadwick Boseman. There isn't enough evidence to recommend these medications to people who have an average risk of colon cancer.If you have an increased risk of colon cancer, discuss your risk factors with your doctor to determine whether preventive medications are safe for you.Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.Doctors aren't certain what causes most colon cancers.In general, colon cancer begins when healthy cells in the colon develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. Colon cancer can occur in any part of the colon.

https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colorectal-genetics-pdq#link/_2606.

It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early.Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, we’re here to help. In: DeVita VT, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, eds. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention.

Cancers can be caused by DNA mutations (changes) that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumor suppressor genes. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. In many cases, the first mutation occurs in the Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.Lawler M, Johnston B, Van Schaeybroeck S, Salto-Tellez M, Wilson R, Dunlop M, and Johnston PG. For instance, some evidence links a reduced risk of polyps and colon cancer to regular use of aspirin or aspirin-like drugs. Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. National Cancer Institute. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Talk about your options with your doctor, and together you can decide which tests are appropriate for you.You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making changes in your everyday life. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. In fact, the incidence of colon cancer in young people aged 20 to 39 is increasing, and experts are not sure why.4 Moreover, contrary … Libutti SK, Saltz LB, Willett CG, and Levine RA.

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But a surprising number are. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives.The American Cancer Society couldn’t do what we do without the support of our partners.

An examination of your entire colon using a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera (colonoscopy) is one way to detect colon cancer and polyps.Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon).

Take steps to:Some medications have been found to reduce the risk of precancerous polyps or colon cancer.