Causes

Most colon cancers arise from a benign (noncancerous), adenomatous polyp, which is a disorganized cluster of glandular cells. Adenomatous polyps are benign, because they eventually stop growing out from the inner colonic surface. But, over time, they can become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. The result is colon cancer. The exact mechanism for the transformation from benign to malignant polyp is not known, but involves a series of genetic changes.

Age, heredity and environmental factors, such as a diet low in fiber and high in fats and red meat, also can contribute to the development of colon cancer.

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