Risk Factors of Appendix Cancer

Executive Summary

The risk factors are responsible for developing more chances of cancer among the individual. It does not have any aetiology regarding appendix cancer, and hence no preventable risk factors have been determined. The most common factor for appendix tumour is the age and sex of the patient.

What are the risk factors of Appendix Cancer?

Anything that raises a person’s chances of acquiring cancer is a risk factor. Although risk factors have a role in appendix cancer development, most of them do not cause tumour. Some people never get cancer though they have various risk factors, whereas others who have none do. Knowing your risk factors and discussing them with your doctor may assist you in making better lifestyle and health-care decisions.

Appendix tumour has no recognized aetiology, and no preventable risk factors have been found.

The following factors can increase chances of getting appendix tumour ​1​:

Age: Increasing age is the only consistent risk factor for diverse forms of this cancer. In children, appendix cancer is uncommon.

Sex: Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors are more prevalent in women.

Genetic conditions: Certain genetic syndromes and inherited conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and Muir-Torre syndrome, have been associated with an increased risk of developing appendix cancer.

Appendiceal tumors: Some types of tumors that can develop in the appendix, such as carcinoid tumors and mucinous adenocarcinomas, have been linked to an increased risk of appendix cancer.

Family history: Having a family history of appendix cancer may increase the risk, although the overall risk is still low.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): People with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, may have a slightly higher risk of developing appendix cancer.

Smoking: Although research on the association between smoking and appendix cancer is limited.

Also Read: How Exercise Can Reduces Cancer Risk

References

  1. 1.
    Brunner M, Lapins P, Langheinrich M, et al. Risk factors for appendiceal neoplasm and malignancy among patients with acute appendicitis. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2020;35(1):157-163. doi:10.1007/s00384-019-03453-5