Colon cancer is considered to be a lifestyle-induced cancer, with obesity being one of its primary risk factors. People with a high BMI have higher levels of insulin, which can affect cell functioning in the colon. In an obese person, the brain stops responding to a hormone called leptin, which inhibits hunger, resulting in overeating. Abnormal leptin levels also lead to colon cancer. Here are other risk factors if the condition.

Risk factors of colon cancer and methods used for diagnosis

1. Lifestyle habits
Physical inactivity contributes to obesity, and hence it is a major risk factor for colon cancer. A person whose diet has more junk and processed food over fresh food, red meat over seafood, or sugary desserts instead of fruits and vegetables is also at high risk of the condition. It contributes to weight gain. These items are also rich in unhealthy fats, additives, and chemicals that contribute to many types of cancer, including colon cancer. Tobacco users and moderate to heavy drinkers are also extremely vulnerable to cancer.

2. Age and race
Men over and above the age of 50 are more susceptible to the disease as compared to women above 50. Apart from this, individuals of African American descent are at a higher risk of colon cancer than individuals of other races.

6. Conditions and co-morbidities
People who have a history of diseases like type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal polyps, or have someone in the family with colon cancer are at higher risk of developing this condition. People who have been affected by another cancer are at risk for colon cancer. Additionally, there are inherited genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, MUTYH-associated polyposis that can result in its development too.

Apart from physical examination and medical history evaluation, the following are some of the most commonly used diagnostic tools for colon cancer.

Blood tests
Colon cancer can result in bleeding in the colon or rectum, leading to anemia. Also, a protein called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) can be high in some patients with the condition. Blood tests to check for anemia and levels of CEA could be prescribed. Though these alone cannot confirm cancer, doctors may recommend additional imaging tests to confirm or rule out the disease

Imaging tests

1. CT scan and PET scans
These provide a detailed image of the location of the tumor in the colon and also provide information if cancer has spread to other organs

2. MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the best tools to confirm cancer and determine where the tumor is located in the colon.

3. Endorectal ultrasound
Doctors use this test to check the spread of cancer. However, it cannot check if cancer has spread to other nearby organs like the liver or nearby lymph nodes.

4. Chest X-ray
This method of cancer diagnosis will be done only after the condition is either highly suspected or confirmed to check if it has spread to the lungs.

5. Colonoscopy and biospy
Colonoscopy allows the doctor to check the insides of the colon and helps identify tumors or any other abnormality. A patient will have to be sedated for this procedure. If the doctors notice abnormal growth, they will remove a small piece of tissue for further tests.