Until now, we are still uncertain what exactly the cause of colon cancer, but we can find out what factors can increase the risk of colon cancer. Risk factors of colon cancer are:
• Age. Along with age, the risk of developing colon cancer increases. colon cancer is more common in people aged over 50 years, but now also can occur in a younger age.
• Race and ethnicity. Race African Americans are more at risk of developing colon cancer than other races, although not obtained a clear answer why this happened. Ashkenazi Jew (descendants of European Jews) also have a high risk for the development of the large intestine. Some genetic mutations found in Ashkenazi Jews, which is the biggest symptom of increased risk.
• Family History. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you probably have a greater risk for developing colon cancer as well.
• Health history. Polips could be one risk factor for colon cancer. Polyps are a mass of growth in the colon. As many as 70-90% of cases of colon cancer comes from polyps, and lift (operation) will reduce the risk of polyps of colon cancer. However, removal of polyps is not yet mean that we are free from colon cancer because these polyps can grow back. The best way to tackle this problem is to perform routine colon examination. Another possibility is the occurrence of gastrointestinal inflammation (inflammatory bowel disease), a condition that can cause colon becomes inflamed.
• Genetics. There are two types of genes most commonly associated with an increased risk of cancer Familial adenomatous (FAP) and Hereditary Non-polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC). About 5% of colon cancer cases caused by this gene. Another syndrome is Peutz-Jeghers, but the number was smaller in the cause of colon cancer.
• Other risk factors. There are several other risk factors that lead to colon cancer such as smoking, alcohol, physical activity levels, obesity and type 2 diabetes

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