Colon polyps are small growths that occur on the lining of the colon or rectum (which are sometimes jointly referred to as the large bowel or large intestine).. Polyps are an extremely common condition, and affect a considerable proportion of adults, many of whom may be completely unaware of the presence of the polyps.
A polyp, whether located in the colon or the rectum, is simply a small, fleshy-looking lump of cells. The vast majority are completely harmless, and do not cause any noticeable symptoms. Occasionally, however, they can become cancerous.
Are Your at Risk of Developing Colon Polyps?
It is possible for anyone to develop colon polyps. However, there are certain groups of people who are at higher risk of the condition, and as a result, screening programs are in place to identify high risk individuals and check for the development of colon polyps. It is important to participate in the screening program if you are asked to do so, because polyps that are identified at an early stage in their development can be safely removed, leaving no trace of the growth behind. This can help to prevent the onset of bowel cancer in the future. Bowel or colon cancer, if identified in the later stages, is usually fatal. Conversely, if identified early, colon cancer is highly treatable.
If you are aged over fifty, or have a family history of the polyps or colon cancer, then you are at a greater risk of developing colon polyps. Other risk factors include:
What Can be Done to Prevent Colon Polyps?
Preventing the onset of colon polyps can be done by making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, which will greatly reduce your risk. This is often easier than undergoing treatment to remove any polyps which have developed.
If you feel as though you are in one of the high risk groups for colon cancer, then you should book an appointment with your doctor or a specialist such as a colorectal surgeon. You should also do this if you have developed any unusual digestive symptoms. This will allow you to find the information you need in order to make an informed decision about your treatment.
A polyp, whether located in the colon or the rectum, is simply a small, fleshy-looking lump of cells. The vast majority are completely harmless, and do not cause any noticeable symptoms. Occasionally, however, they can become cancerous.
Are Your at Risk of Developing Colon Polyps?
It is possible for anyone to develop colon polyps. However, there are certain groups of people who are at higher risk of the condition, and as a result, screening programs are in place to identify high risk individuals and check for the development of colon polyps. It is important to participate in the screening program if you are asked to do so, because polyps that are identified at an early stage in their development can be safely removed, leaving no trace of the growth behind. This can help to prevent the onset of bowel cancer in the future. Bowel or colon cancer, if identified in the later stages, is usually fatal. Conversely, if identified early, colon cancer is highly treatable.
If you are aged over fifty, or have a family history of the polyps or colon cancer, then you are at a greater risk of developing colon polyps. Other risk factors include:
- Inflammatory conditions that affect the digestive tract. If you have a condition such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, then you are more likely to develop polyps.
- Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including colon cancer. The development of polyps is usually the first indication that colon cancer is a possibility.
- Being inactive increases your risk of developing polyps and colon cancer. This is because fecal matter can sometimes contain chemicals that promote the onset of colon cancer. Being inactive slows down the progression of material through the digestive tract, meaning that these substances stay in contact with the lining of the bowel for a longer period of time. This increases the exposure of the bowel lining to these substances and increases the likelihood of a polyp forming.
- Smoking cigarettes may increase the chance of colon polyps developing.
- Excessive alcohol consumption may increase the chance of colon polyps developing.
- Family history plays a significant role in the risk of developing colon polyps. If a close relative has the condition, then you are at a greater risk. This can be for genetic reasons, but that is not always the case. Family members are likely to be exposed to the same levels of carcinogens, which creates a similar level of risk for all people living in the same environment.
What Can be Done to Prevent Colon Polyps?
Preventing the onset of colon polyps can be done by making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, which will greatly reduce your risk. This is often easier than undergoing treatment to remove any polyps which have developed.
- Increase the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet. These contain high levels of fiber, particularly if you also eat the skin. Fibre is needed to ensure that material moves through the digestive tract correctly. These also contain high levels of antioxidants, which are thought to help prevent cancer.
- Reduce your intake of fatty foods. Saturated fats, such as those found in red meat and processed foods, can increase your risk of developing colon polyps.
- Calcium has been shown to provide protection against polyps and tumors in the colon. Increasing your calcium intake can therefore reduce your risk considerably. Increasing your intake of vitamin D, which helps your body to absorb calcium, will also be beneficial.
- Keep active, and keep your weight at a healthy level. These will help to reduce your risk of cancer considerably, as being overweight is a risk factor for many different types of cancer, not just that of the bowel. Being active also ensures that material moves properly through the digestive tract, which reduces the risk of colon cancer and polyps.
If you feel as though you are in one of the high risk groups for colon cancer, then you should book an appointment with your doctor or a specialist such as a colorectal surgeon. You should also do this if you have developed any unusual digestive symptoms. This will allow you to find the information you need in order to make an informed decision about your treatment.
