Colon and rectal polyps develop when the composition of cells change on the normally smooth lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are non- cancerous but some polyps can turn into cancer over time. If you have a family or personal history of colon cancer or colon polyps, you are a higher risk of colon cancer. Most polyps don’t cause symptoms but signs can include change in bowel habits, change in stool color, iron deficiency anemia, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding.
Importance of a Healthy Colon
The colon (also called the large intestine or large bowel) is a muscular tube that forms the last part of the digestive tract. It absorbs water and stores food waste. The colon is about 4 to 6 feet long and the rectum makes up the last 6 inches.
How polyps can develop?
Changes in these cells can lead to the growth of polyps on the lining of the colon. Most are non-cancerous but over time, polyps can become cancerous. This occurs when cells in these polyps begin growing abnormally. The cancer may also spread to nearby organs, lymph nodes or to other parts of the body. Finding and removing polyps can help prevent cancer from ever forming.
What are polyps?
Polyps are fleshy clumps of tissue that form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Small polyps are usually not cancerous. However, over time, cells in a polyp can change and become cancerous. The larger a polyp grows, the more likely this is to happen. Also, certain types of polyps are considered pre-cancerous. This means that they will almost always become cancerous if they’re not removed.
Preventing Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the 4th most common cancer in men and women in the United States. Screening and early diagnosis are the key to avoid any polyp turning to cancer. Anyone can develop colon polyps but if you are overweight, don’t exercise, smoke, use alcohol heavily , low fiber diet or diet high in processed meat, you are at a higher risk. Lifestyle changes can help decrease your risk. Other risk factors include personal or family history of colon polyps or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and Lynch or polyposis syndrome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends screening starts at age 45.
References
Mayo Clinic. 2023. Colon Polyps. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20352875
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. Colorectal Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/index.htm
