The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Columbia Encyclopedia World Factbook American Heritage Coll. Colon cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Epidemiological evidence has shown that a diet high in fat and low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber contributes to the development of the disease.
Smoking is also a factor in some types of colon cancer.
Statistically, a family history of colon cancer or cancer of the female reproductive organs, a history of colon polyps, or a history of ulcerative colitis puts one at a greater risk of developing colon cancer. Colon cancer is most common in people over age 50. Several genes that signal a hereditary predisposition to colon cancer have been identified. In the early stages of the disease there may be no obvious symptoms. A biopsy of any suspicious tissue is then examined in a laboratory to determine if cancerous changes are present.