Tobacco and alcohol use

Smokers have a 30 to 40 percent higher risk than nonsmokers of developing the disease. It is generally known that chemicals in smoke can cause cancers in those parts of the body with which they come in direct contact, including the mouth, esophagus, and lungs. But carcinogens in smoke also can find their way into the gut, where they damage tissues.

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In addition, heavy drinkers have a higher risk of getting colon cancer.