Colon cancer is one the most prevalent forms of cancer among the
American population. Although inappropriate diet and unhealthy
lifestyle considerably increase the risks of developing colon cancer,
many forms of the disease occur on the premises of underlying genetic
predispositions. Statistics reveal that more than 5 percent of colon
cancers worldwide are caused solely by genetic dysfunctions and
physiologic abnormalities. Depending on their underlying cause, colon
cancers can be either acquired (sporadic colon cancers), or
genetically-inherited.
Most cases of colon cancer occur due to formation of polyps in
different regions of the large bowel (colon). Colonic polyps are
prominent soft tissues that can easily become malignant. There are many
different types of hereditary colon cancers and many of them are
primarily caused by colonic polyps. The most common types of
genetically-inherited colon cancers are adenomatous polyposis and
Gardner’s syndrome. Non-polyposis colon cancer is also common among
hereditary forms of the disease. Unlike other types of
genetically-inherited colon cancers, non-polyposis colon cancer doesn’t
always involve the formation of polyps. Uncommon forms of hereditary
colon cancer are Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and juvenile polyposis.
Unlike non-hereditary forms of colon cancer, which are usually
developed by people with ages over 50, hereditary colon cancers can
occur in young people as well. In fact, some forms of
genetically-inherited colon cancers are predominantly developed by very
young children and teenagers.
People who have a family history of colon cancer should pay regular
visits to an oncologist, as it is very important to timely reveal the
signs of large bowel disease in order to maximize the chances of
recovery. Discovered in its incipient stages, colon cancer can be
effectively overcome through the means of surgical intervention or
specific therapies. However, if colon cancer is discovered late,
patients’ prognosis is generally uncertain.
Colonoscopy is a very common and reliable method of revealing traces of
colon cancer in patients. Through the means of colonoscopy, doctors can
quickly spot potential signs of abnormalities at the level of the large
bowel. Colonoscopy is very useful in the process of diagnosing
hereditary or sporadic forms of colon cancer, as it can easily reveal
the presence of malignant colonic polyps or extended tumors. People who
have blood-relatives affected by colon cancer are very exposed to
developing the disease as well. Thus, they should receive frequent
examinations with colonoscopy in order to timely discover signs of
malignant activity at the level of the large bowel.
Both acquired (sporadic) and hereditary colon cancers are
life-threatening diseases and they need to be discovered as soon as
possible in order to minimize the risk of morbidity. Colon cancers have
an unpredictable pattern of evolution and their development is strongly
influenced by genetically-inherited abnormalities. While lifestyle
improvements and healthy diet can diminish the risks of developing
sporadic colon cancer, people with underlying physiological
abnormalities of the large bowel are very vulnerable to developing
hereditary colon cancer regardless of their actions.
