Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer as it is commonly known, is a type of cancer that develops at the rectum or colon of the human body. WHO reports that colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer globally with 10% of all reported cases. It is also the third highest reason for cancer-related deaths. Let’s take a detailed look into the fatal disease, what causes it, and how people can potentially save themselves from colon cancer.  How Does Colon Cancer Develop?  The colon or the rectum is the terminal point of the digestive system. It is essentially a sac that houses the bowel and aids in the bowel movement process. The lining of the colon can develop precancerous polyps which can become cancerous over time.  It is important to note that all polyps are not cancerous. However, it is needed to medically treat them at the earliest as there is always the chance of it developing into cancer cells.  The exact cause of polyp development is unknown. However, scientists have often pointed out that genes and age play a crucial role in their development. Other factors like diets, obesity, smoking, and inflammation of the colon lining have been identified as leading causes thus far.  Read more: Measles: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention What are the Symptoms and Causes of Colon Cancer?  Symptoms of colon cancer include:  Change in Bowel Movement  As a precursor to colon cancer, a patient often notices a significant shift in bowel movement. For example, the frequency of diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency is noticed.  Blood Discharge  A common symptom of colon cancer is the presence of blood in the stool. Patients may not feel any apparent discomfort but dark tarry stools may be noticed during bowel movement.  Pain in the Abdomen  Another common symptom of colon cancer is severe and lasting pain in the abdomen. It generally starts as mild discomfort and gradually moves to severe cramps.  Read more: JN.1: Symptoms, Prevention of and Precautions for the New COVID-19 Variant Anemia  The blood discharge with stool may trigger anemia or loss of red corpuscles in the blood. Anemia also triggers weakness and fatigue which is a secondary symptom of colon cancer.  Unexpected Weight Loss  Another sign of any cancer in general is the unexpected loss of weight. Cancer patients including colon cancer ones tend to rapidly lose weight which may lead to secondary complications.  There are several known causes of colon cancer. These include: Age  Age is one of the commonly identified factors behind colon cancer. Anyone over the age of 50 is at risk of contracting colon cancer though it might occur at any age. Read more: Foods that Help Relieve Nausea and Vomiting Family History  Genetics are also thought to be a reason behind colon cancer. Families with a history of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or FAP and Lynch Syndrome tend to compound the chances of contracting colon cancer.  Personal Medical History  Colon cancers are often recurring, meaning they can come back even if it is treated completely. A personal medical history of colon cancer or repeated polyp formation may trigger renewed cancer cell generation in the colon linings.  Additionally, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase the risk of contracting colon cancer. Patients with Type 2 diabetes also run the risk of developing colon cancer. Read more: 10 Dengue Myths Debunked: Here are the Facts