Medical Health Encyclopedia

C-Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP is another indicator of inflammation. In a case-control study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2004, elevated CRP levels predicted the development of colon-- but not rectal-- cancer.

Bile Acid Salts. Deoxycholic acid, which is found in the fat-digesting bile salts released by the gallbladder, appears to have carcinogenic properties. Its effects are now believed to play a role in some cases of colon cancer. Levels of the acid can rise as a result of high-fat diets or certain diseases.

Growth Factors. Chronically higher circulating levels of growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor (IGF), have been associated with colorectal cancer.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These chronic disorders cause persistent injuries in the intestinal tract that can, in some cases, produce cancerous changes.