Small Intestine Cancer

Causes & Prevention

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

Prevention Strategies for Cancer of the Small Intestine

There are a number of conditions associated with small intestine cancer, such as polyp syndroms, celiac disease, and Crohn disease.

The association of small bowel cancer with underlying conditions makes it possible to identify populations at risk and to develop screening programs.

Why Cancer of the Small Intestine Is Rare

Each year, US doctors diagnose about 1200 malignant small intestine tumors. This is a small number relative to the frequency of tumors in other parts of the GI tract.

There are several possible reasons for this: