“While the majority of colon polyps will not become cancer, certain types may be precancerous. Having polyps removed reduces a person’s future risk for colorectal cancer”
If you have been told you have polyps in your colon, chances are you are fine. But having colon polyps does increase your risk of colorectal cancer. So you should listen to your doctor when he tells you to follow-up with more testing.
Unfortunately, as the article linked and excerpted below explains, many people with polyps don’t get the follow-up testing that they should have. You might be a bit afraid of what you will find out, you may be busy…in short, life gets in the way.
I consider a diagnosis of “pre-cancer” (polyps, DCIS, n
on-melanoma skin cancer, etc) to be a good time to add a few evidence-based, non-toxic therapies to your life shown to reduce your risk of progressing to a diagnosis of cancer.
In the case of colorectal cancer, you can begin nutritional supplementation, nutrition, exercise, maybe even loose a few pounds- all shown to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
I am a long-term survivor who relies on a spectrum of evidence-based non-toxic therapies to keep in in complete remission. Have you been told you have polyps in your colon? Scroll down the page, post a question or comment and I will reply to you ASAP.
Thanks,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Recommended Reading:
“Many people found to have colon polyps (adenomas) that can lead to cancer don’t have follow-up colonoscopies at recommended times, a new study finds.
Patients who have certain types of adenomas, or large or numerous ones, are at increased risk for colorectal cancer…
When a patient is found to have some of these higher-risk findings, guidelines recommend that they come back for another colonoscopy in three years. This is called surveillance colonoscopy, and it improves our chances of preventing colorectal cancer or detecting it at an early stage…”
“COLORECTAL POLYPS-Colorectal polyps are commonly found during standard screening exams of the colon (large intestine) and rectum (the bottom section of your colon). They affect about 20% to 30% of American adults. Polyps are abnormal growths that start in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps are flat while others have a stalk…
While the majority of polyps will not become cancer, certain types may be precancerous. Having polyps removed reduces a person’s future risk for colorectal cancer…
SYMPTOMS-Most colorectal polyps do not cause any symptoms unless they are large. That is why screening for polyps and cancer is so important. While uncommon, polyps can cause these symptoms:
- Blood in the stool
- Excess mucus
- A change in bowel habits (such as frequency)
- Abdominal pain
TREATMENT-Removal of colorectal polyps is advised because there is no test to determine if one will turn into cancer. Nearly all polyps can be removed or eliminated during a colonoscopy. Large polyps may require more than one treatment. Rarely, some patients may require surgery for complete removal.
PROGNOSIS AFTER TREATMENT-Once a colorectal polyp is completely removed, it rarely comes back. However, at least 30% of patients will develop new polyps after removal. For this reason, your physician will advise follow-up testing to look for new polyps.