The cause of colon cancer is unknown. But since the incidence of the disease is much greater in industrialized countries, environmental factors, including eating habits, may contribute its development. Many experts suspect that the U.S. has one of the highest rates of colon cancer in the world because of our appetite for fatty, low-fiber food. A personal or family history of colon cancer. A colon polyp is a growth on the inside wall of the colon and though most of these growths don't turn into cancer, some do if they grow.
Doctors believe most colon cancers begin as polyps.
A history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. A history of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer may also increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The vast majority of deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided if people took advantage of screening tests. Medicare now covers colorectal screenings and so do most health insurance providers. Trouble is, only about 40 percent of Americans age 50 and older are getting tested, perhaps because they aren't aware of the screening recommendations or are too embarrassed to discuss the subject with their doctors.