Appendix Cancer

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The cause of appendix cancer is unknown, and no avoidable risk factors have been identified. The following factor may raise a person’s risk of developing appendix cancer:

Age. For a carcinoid tumor of the appendix, the average age at diagnosis is approximately 40. Carcinoid tumors are rare in children.