What is colon polyps?

Colon polyps are growths in the colon or the rectum. The cause of most colon polyps is not known, and most people who get them do not have any problems. But a certain kind can turn into cancer. For this reason, regular testing for colon polyps is important for people as they get older. It is also important for anyone who has an increased risk for colon cancer.

Polyps are usually found through routine colon cancer screening tests. Although most colon polyps are not cancerous, they are usually removed and then tested for cancer. Screening for colon cancer saves lives because the cancer can usually be cured if it is caught early.

If you have a polyp that is the type that can turn into cancer, you may need more tests to examine your entire colon. The doctor will remove any other polyps that are found, and you will be tested more often.

You can have colon polyps and not know it, because they usually don't cause symptoms. They are usually found during routine screening tests for colorectal cancer. If polyps get large, they can cause symptoms. You may have bleeding from your rectum or a change in your bowel habits.

Doctors often remove colon polyps, because some of them can turn into colorectal cancer. Most polyps are removed during a colonoscopy. You may need to have surgery if you have a large polyp.

After removal, polyps are checked to find out if they are the kind that could become cancer. If cancer is found when the colon polyps are checked, you will begin treatment for colorectal cancer.

For some types of polyps, the bigger a colon polyp is the more likely it is that the polyp will contain cancer cells. After you have had polyps, you have a higher chance of developing new polyps. If you have had polyps removed, it is important to have follow-up tests to look for more polyps. Talk to your doctor about how often you need to be tested.

Most polyps are found during tests for colorectal cancer. The tests for colorectal cancer include stool tests that can be done at home and procedures, such as a colonoscopy, that are done at your doctor's office or clinic.

You can't prevent colon polyps. You may help lower your risk for cancer by staying at a healthy weight, being active, and eating vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, poultry, and whole grains. Do not smoke. And limit alcohol. Regular exams are the best way to check for polyps and lower your risk for cancer.

You are more likely to have colon polyps if you:

• Are older. Risk increases with age.
• Have people in your family with colon polyps or colorectal cancer.
• Inherit a certain gene that causes you to develop polyps. People with this gene are much more likely than others to get the kind of polyps that turn into colorectal cancer.
• Are obese.