Small Intestine Cancer Risk Factors

Small Intestine Cancer Risk Factors

Some diseases do not present any symptoms until they become an emergency. Small intestine cancer is one such ailment, which is usually asymptomatic, meaning it doesn’t cause any symptoms. The cancer gets diagnosed accidentally while undergoing tests for any unrelated issue. Being aware of the causes and risk factors is crucial for early detection and treatment. So, what are the risk factors of small intestine cancer? Let us find out.

Some diseases do not present any symptoms until they become an emergency. Small intestine cancer is one such ailment, which is usually asymptomatic, meaning it doesn’t cause any symptoms. The cancer gets diagnosed accidentally while undergoing tests for any unrelated issue. Being aware of the causes and risk factors is crucial for early detection and treatment. So, what are the risk factors of small intestine cancer? Let us find out.

What are the Risk Factors for Small intestine cancer ?

Some of the key risk factors for small intestine cancer are:

1. Age and gender

Cancer of the small intestine is found more in older people, the average age of diagnosis being 65. Men are more at risk of developing this disease than women.

2. Race

Small intestine cancer affects black people more than people of other races. 

3. Inherited genetic conditions

People with certain inherited conditions like Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Lynch syndrome, or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have a higher risk of small intestine cancer. 

4. Inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease affect the intestines, thereby increasing the risk of small intestine cancer.

5. Weakened immune system

The risk of small intestine cancer increases if your immune system gets weakened. This could be due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, radiation therapy treatment, or medications which are given to suppress your immune system after an organ transplant. 

6. Family history

If gastrointestinal cancers run in the family, you are at high risk of developing small intestine cancer.

7. Lifestyle factors

A low-fibre, high-fat diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, consumption of alcohol, and obesity are all risk factors.