After the death of actor Chadwick Boseman, who played the Black Panther in the Marvel films, interest in his disease, colon cancer, has emerged.

In 2017, the last date for which records are available, this type of cancer killed more than 52 thousand people in the neighboring country, according to the American Cancer Society, who revealed that diagnosis is decreasing among those over 65, but increasing in younger adults.

Within this scenario there are several risk factors or causes that could lead to colon cancer:

- Older age: Most people with the disease are over 50, but as we said, cases under 50 are increasing.

- African Americans: For some strange reason, African Americans are more likely to get colon cancer than other races.

- A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps

- Inflammatory bowel conditions. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can increase the risk of colon cancer.

- Family genetic mutations. That is, hereditary syndromes. Although only a small percentage is related to this factor.

- Family history of colon cancer. If a blood relative had this disease, it is likely that you can get it too.

- Low-fiber, high-fat diet. The typical Western diet where we eat processed products, fast food and junk foods that are high in sugars and calories is conducive to getting colon cancer, so you need to eat a balanced diet with more fruits and vegetables.

- Sedentary lifestyle. Those who are inactive or do not exercise can get colon cancer. It is recommended to exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

Diabetes or insulin resistance
Obesity
Smoking
Alcoholism

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of colon cancer include the following:

A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, or a change in the consistency of your feces.

Rectal bleeding or blood in feces

Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain

A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

Weakness or fatigue

Unexplained weight loss

PREVENTION

Doctors recommend getting a colon cancer test around age 50, however, if there is a family history, people should consider screening earlier.

With information from Mayo Clinic and Infobae