These are conditions which are passed genetically from one generation to another in which individuals hae many bowel polyps with a high potential for becoming malignant. Examples are the Gardner syndrome and Turcot syndrome . Diet and Obesity - are believed to have an influence on the risk of having cancer of the colon. Excessive caloric consumption and excessive body weight have been shown to increase colon cancer risk. Diets low in fat and high in fiber are believed to be protective against having colon cancer.
Geographic differences are probably related to differences in dietary habits.
If bleeding occurs, it might be erroneously attributed to hemmorhoids, diverticulosis, or ulcers. Occasionally, an individual may have an acute abdominal emergency from a bowel obstruction or perforation or because of bleeding. Sometimes, colon cancer is discovered in the course of evaluation of anemia. There is not a single, clear sign of colon cancer. Therefore, screening for this disease is highly recommended even in people who have no symptoms whatsoever.