Colon or colorectal polyps are small, unusual growths in our colon or large intestine. These can develop into cancer if left unchecked for too long. However, many patients are successful with their colon cancer treatment. Of course, preventing cancer is still far more preferable than trying to cure it.
But why do colon polyps occur in the first place? Let us discuss this below.
No One Knows Exactly Why Polyps Form
Despite years of research on the matter, doctors still do not know exactly what causes polyps to form in our intestinal lining. They can appear even in healthy individuals. We only know that several risk factors affect your chances of developing them.
Here are some of the common risk factors:
- Colorectal polyps are more likely to form in men than women.
- You have a higher risk of developing them as you age, especially when you are 45 years or older.
- If your family has a history of genetic disorders such as Gardner syndrome or Familial adenomatous polyposis, you are at more risk of having colon polyps too.
- Illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease or type 2 diabetes also increase your risk.
- Other major risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol, and a diet high in fat but low in fibre. A sedentary lifestyle affects your likelihood as well.
Are All Colon Polyps Cancerous?
No, colorectal polyps are not inherently cancerous, but most colon cancers do start from polyps.
There are several types of colon polyps, which are generally categorised into four categories: adenomatous, serrated, hamartomas, and inflammatory. Adenomatous polyps are the most common type, so many colon cancers begin from them.
If the polyps turn out cancerous, do discuss colon cancer treatments with your Singapore oncologist as soon as you can. Colon cancer typically only gets diagnosed when it reaches advanced stages because it usually does not exhibit symptoms early on.
Routine Screening is a Must
Many cases of cancerous polyps only get discovered because the patient went for a colonoscopy screening even if they feel healthy.
As mentioned above, your risk increases drastically when you are over 45 years old. This is why physicians often recommend that you start getting screened regularly.
Otherwise, you might end up having to undergo colon polyp removal surgery and other colon cancer treatments to deal with the disease.
Signs You Need to Get Screened for Polyps
Let us review some symptoms that indicate you may have colorectal polyps:
- You could have diarrhoea or constipation that has not subsided after a week. You may find too much mucus in your stool as well.
- Red or black streaks, or actual blood in your stool, could mean bleeding inside your large intestine.
- You may also experience constant abdominal pain and fatigue due to the bleeding.
Speak with your doctor to schedule a colonoscopy screening as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms. They can help determine if polyps are behind this or if you have a different medical condition.
How to Prevent Colon Polyps from Forming
Since doctors do not yet know the exact cause behind polyps, we cannot fully stop them from developing in your colon. But we can still lower the possibility of getting them or at least keep them from becoming cancerous. These include eating less fatty foods, exercising more often, and not drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes.
Conclusion
The real cause behind colorectal polyps remains unknown to this day. Fortunately, you have colon cancer treatment options available should the polyps become cancerous. You can also reduce your risk by improving your lifestyle and getting screened regularly.
If you suspect that you have a high chance of developing colon cancer, talk to your doctor about what else you can do to prevent it.
References:
- https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/3-thing-to-know-about-colon-polyps
- https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/polyps-colon-rectum
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15370-colon-polyps
- https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/9-must-know-facts-about-colorectal-cancer
- https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/colon-polyps-basics
