Appendix Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors for appendix cancer are behaviors and characteristics that are believed to increase the likelihood that an individual will develop the condition. It is important to understand, however, that risk factors do not directly cause cancer. In fact, many people who have more than one risk factor never develop the condition, while some people who are diagnosed with appendiceal cancer have no known risk factors.

Are there any known risk factors of appendix cancer?

As research continues, more is being learned about appendiceal cancer. To date, scientists have identified the following possible appendix cancer risk factors:

• Tobacco use
• A family history of appendiceal cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome (also known as endocrine adenomatosis and Wermer syndrome)
• Certain conditions that affect the stomach’s ability to produce acid, such as atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Advancing age
• Gender (for unknown reasons, women are more likely to develop appendix cancer than men)

The Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center is dedicated to the research, prevention and treatment of all forms of gastrointestinal cancer, including appendix cancer. Our multispecialty team of experts is available to provide individualized advice and guidance to patients who have been identified as having a heightened risk of developing the condition, and we do not require referrals. In a single location, we offer some the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options, as well as a robust portfolio of promising clinical trials.

If you’d like to learn more about appendix cancer risk factors, the multispecialty team at Moffitt can help you assess your individual risk profile and provide advice on prevention and early detection. Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. No referrals are required.