What puts you at risk for colon cancer?
While the exact cause of
colon cancer remains unknown, the disease appears to be influenced by both inherited and
lifestyle factors.
The first factor is age. Although colon cancer can strike at any age, 90% of new cases are seen in people older than 50
years.
1
Those who have a personal or family history of bowel disease have a higher risk for developing the disease.
Bowel disease includes
colon polyps,
hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC—this is an inherited syndrome that increases the likelihood
for colorectal cancer), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of
inflammatory conditions of the large intestine and should not be confused with the less serious irritable
bowel syndrome. Common forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. People with an immediate
family member who has a history of one of these conditions or of colon cancer are at a higher risk. If you or
someone in your immediate family has a history of these conditions, you are encouraged to ask your healthcare
provider about undergoing a colonoscopy.
Diet seems to influence colon cancer rates as well. People who have diets high in fat (including red meat, fried foods, and
high-fat dairy products) and low in fruits and vegetables may increase their risk for colon cancer.
Lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. These factors include smoking, alcohol use, sedentary
lifestyle, and obesity.
While genetic factors may contribute to a person's risk for colon cancer, dietary and other lifestyle factors may determine
which at-risk individuals actually develop the disease. Still, 75% of all colon cancer cases occur in people with no known
medical risk factors.
2 This emphasizes the importance of routine
colon cancer screening.
Continue reading to learn more about risk factors, or find out if you’re at risk for colon cancer by taking our
risk assessment.
What is your level of risk for colon cancer?
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
What can be done to prevent colon cancer?
What is a colonosocopy?
References
- Colon Cancer Alliance. Disease information: CRC facts & figures. Available at: http://www.ccalliance.org/about/disease/crcfacts.html.
Accessed April 12, 2007.
- Tomeo CA, Colditz GA, Willett WC, et al. Harvard report on cancer prevention. Volume 3: prevention of colon cancer
in the United States. Cancer Causes Control. 1999;10:167-180.
Important Information About OsmoPrep
OsmoPrep Tablets are used to clean the colon before colonoscopy in adults aged 18 years or older. Do not
take OsmoPrep if you are allergic or hypersensitive to sodium phosphate salts or to any of the ingredients
in OsmoPrep. Before considering OsmoPrep, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including
any heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, any kidney impairment such as electrolyte
disturbances, any abdominal problems such as bowel obstruction or motility issues, and any history of
seizures. Also tell your doctor about any medications that you are taking or if you may be pregnant.
The most common side effects in studies with OsmoPrep were abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, nausea,
and vomiting. Adequate hydration before, during, and after the use of OsmoPrep Tablets is recommended.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch,
or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Consult with your physician to see if this product is right for you.
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