Colon cancer is 'caused' by:

Diet - high fat, low fibre diets are not good.
Age - is a factor, as most people over 50 will have colonic polyps.
Diabetes - insulin dependency contributes significantly to colon cancer development.
Alcohol - although red wine can help, other forms of alcohol, particularly distilled spirits like Vodka or whisky are contributing factors.
Ethnicity - studies have shown that people with particular ethnic backgrounds are more susceptible to developing colon cancer. Ashkenazi Jews have been identified as one of those ethnic backgrounds. Similarly people who are genetically prone to cancers are high risk.
Smokers - are more likely to develop cancer as inhaled carcenogens are transferred through the body to the colon and tobacco use increases the size of polyps.
Overweight - obesity and sedentary habits increase the risk, as does
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - which can create polyps which can in turn, become cancerous.

Not everyone gets colon cancer, you're right... but add in some of these other factors and you might find you're sitting on a time bomb.

LTS