Overall, the incidence of colon cancer globally has increased 3-fold and deaths have doubled in recent decades, with an alarming trend of younger people being diagnosed. Men of all ethnicities develop colon cancer at a higher rate than women. There are risk factors for colon cancer that cannot be changed, such as age, genetic predisposition, and having inflammatory bowel disease or a condition that causes polyps to grow. However, there are some other factors that may help explain why men are more affected by colon cancer than women. Obesity The rate of obesity in men is increasing. Studies show that obesity is a risk factor for developing colon cancer. People with a higher body mass index (BMI) and a larger waist circumference have a greater risk of developing colon cancer. This has been proven true in dozens of studies conducted in different countries. Lack of exercise has also been linked to an increased incidence of colon cancer. Most people do not reach the recommended level of physical activity, which puts them at risk of cancers that are associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Tobacco use Cigarette smoking is another known risk factor for the development of colon cancer. Smoking is more common in men than in women. This is especially true for older men. Men also tend to smoke more cigarettes per day and for more years than women. Cancer on the left side of the colon is more common in men who smoke. Alcohol consumption Men have higher rates of alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, than women. Alcohol consumption is a contributing factor to the development of colon cancer. In fact, even drinking more than two alcoholic drinks per day is associated with a higher risk of the condition. Red and processed meat consumption A diet high in red meat and processed meats (such as sausages) is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. In general, men are more likely to have a diet higher in these types of foods, which may contribute to their higher rates of colon cancer. References: 1. Hill SE, Bell C, Bowie JV, et al. Differences in obesity among men of diverse racial and ethnic background 2. Ma Y, Yang Y, Wang F, et al. Obesity and risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review of prospective studies 3. Whiteman DC, Wilson LF. The fractions of cancer attributable to modifiable factors: A global review 4. Gram IT, Park SY, Wilkens LR, Haiman CA, Le Marchand L. Smoking-related risks of colorectal cancer by anatomical subsite and sex 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health