Introduction: In the quiet lanes of an American suburb, Sarah, a 58-year-old librarian, led a life that was the epitome of routine and normalcy. That is until her world was upended by a diagnosis that came out of the blue: colon cancer. Like many, she wondered, "How did this happen?" This article aims to unravel the mystery behind the causes of colon cancer, weaving through Sarah's story to understand the human side of this medical condition.

1: Understanding Colon Cancer1.1 The Basics Colon cancer, a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon), is a formidable health adversary. It usually starts with small, benign clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.

1.2 The Numbers The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will develop colon cancer during their lifetime.

2: The Culprits Behind Colon Cancer2.1 Genetics Sarah's story wasn't unique in the aspect of family history. Around 20% of all colon cancer patients have other family members who have had it. Genetic mutations passed through generations can increase the risk of colon cancer significantly.

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