Virtually all colon cancer develops from polyps in thecolon.
In addition, a personal or family history of polyps puts you at higher risk forcolon cancer.
What Are Polyps?
A polyp is a growth that occurs along the intestinal or colon wall.
Often polyps are harmless, but they can develop into cancer.
This article explains colon polyps, how they impact your cancer risk, and more.
Polyp Types and Cancer Risk
There are severaltypes of polyps.
Some are lower risk than others.
In addition, your risk of cancer increases if you have more or bigger polyps.
They are fast-growing but unlikely to become cancerous.
Inflammatory pseudopolypsare a symptom ofinflammatory bowel conditions, such asulcerative colitisorCrohn’s disease.
These types of polyps are benign (noncancerous).
Higher Risk Types
Adenomatouspolyps, or adenomas, are higher-risk growths.
About two-thirds of the polyps found duringcolonoscopiesare adenomas.
A rare subtype of adenomas, called villous adenomas, is most likely to become cancerous.
Recap
Polyp types, size, and number impact your risk of cancer.
Some polyps do not develop into cancer, while others become malignant over time.
The more polyps you have, and the bigger they are, the greater your risk.
Risk factors include:
Family historyis a key risk factor for polyps and colon cancer.
If they have, you’re no longer in the average-risk category for colon cancer.
Screening
Though other tests are available, colonoscopy is most frequently used to screen for colon cancer.
Recommendations for screening vary based on risk.
Who Should Be Screened?
Previously, the recommendation was for people ages 50 and older.
Speak to your healthcare provider about when you should begin screening and how often.
However, suppose your doctor finds polyps during a screening.
Colonoscopies screen for colon cancer.
Most people should start screening at age 45.
However, if you have first-degree relatives with a history of advanced polyps, you should start screening earlier.
Prevention
Regular screening is the most critical step you could take toprevent polyps and colon cancer.
Lastly, watch your folate, calcium, and vitamin D intake.
Thesenatural approacheshave been linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer in some studies.
That is why colonoscopies are essential.
So, be sure to stick with your recommended screening schedule.
When polyps produce symptoms, they may include:
Such symptoms always warrant checking with your healthcare provider.
Summary
Having colon polyps increases your risk of colon cancer.
The more polyps you have, and the bigger they are, the greater your risk.
Since polyps are often asymptomatic, screening is essential for catching them early.
Rarely, larger polyps may require surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors are not completely sure what causes polyps.
In 2021, federal guidelines for cancer screenings were updated.
2010;255(3):707-720. doi:10.1148/radiol.10090877
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.
2015;2(4):203-207. doi:10.1159/000441212
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding polyps and their treatment.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.Definition & facts for colon polyps.
