Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Causes of Cancer of the colon, rectum or bowel

The causes of colorectal cancer are not known, although it is thought that there may be a link with a diet high in animal fats and protein, and low in fibre. To reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, you should eat a healthy, balanced diet including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

It is also important to take regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight and avoid alcohol and smoking.

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Colorectal cancer is much more common in people over the age of 45.Around 90% of cases occur in people over the age of 50.Previous cases of colorectal cancer, chronic bowel inflammation, or adenomatous polyp may also increase the risk of  the condition recurring.

Family history of conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. However, only one in ten cases are thought to have a hereditary cause.

• Caesarean sectionCancerCancer of the bile ductCancer of the bladderCancer of the boneCancer of the brainCancer of the breastCancer of the breast, maleCancer of the cervixCancer of the colon, rectum or bowelCancer of the kidneyCancer of the larynxCancer of the liverCancer of the lungCancer of the mouthCancer of the oesophagusCancer of the ovaryCancer of the pancreasCancer of the prostateCancer of the skinCancer of the stomachCancer of the testicleCancer of the thyroidCancer of the uterusCancer of the vaginaCancer of the vulvaCarbon monoxide poisoningCarersCarpal tunnel syndromeCartilage damageCataract surgeryCataractsCatarrhCavernous sinus thrombosisCEA testCellulitisCerebral palsyCerebrovascular diseaseCervical screening testCervical spondylosisCharcot-Marie-Tooth diseaseChemotherapyChest infectionChickenpoxChildren in careChiropracticChlamydiaChloride testCholesterolChorionic Villus samplingChronic fatigue syndromeChronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseCircumcisionCirrhosisCleft lip and palateClinical trialsClub footCoeliac diseaseCognitive behavioural therapyCold soreCold, commonColicColostomyColour vision deficiencyColposcopyCombined contraceptive pillComplaints about NHS servicesComplementary therapiesComplex Regional Pain SyndromeCondoms (male and female)Congenital heart diseaseCongestive heart failureConjunctivitisConsent to treatmentConstipationContraceptionContraceptive implants and injectionsContraceptive patchCoronary angioplastyCoronary artery bypassCoronary heart diseaseCorticosteroid (drugs)Corticosteroid preparations (topical)Cosmetic surgeryCoughCounsellingCradle capCraniosynostosisCreutzfeldt-Jakob diseaseCrohn's diseaseCroupCT scanCushing's syndromeCuts and grazesCystic fibrosisCystitisCystoscopyCytomegalovirus

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