Colon Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Colon Polyps:
Colon polyps are extra pieces of tissue that grow on the lining of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. The large intestine absorbs water from stool and changes it from a liquid to a solid form.
Over time, some polyps can become cancerous.
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Who gets colon polyps?
Anyone can get polyps; however, you may be more likely to get them if
- you’re 50 years of age or older
- you’ve had polyps before
- someone in your family has had polyps or cancer of the colon or rectum
- you’re African American
- you have a disease that causes inflammation or irritation in the intestines
- you have type 2 diabetes
- you have a history of breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
- you weigh too much
- you eat a lot of fatty foods
- you don’t exercise
- you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol
Should I be tested for colon polyps?
Most people should begin testing for colon polyps at age 50. African Americans should begin testing at age 45. Your doctor may recommend testing before age 45 or 50 if
- you have symptoms
- someone in your family has had polyps or cancer of the colon or rectum
- you have other factors that increase your chances for developing polyps
How will I know if I have colon polyps?
Your doctor will take a medical and family history and perform a physical exam to find out if you have colon polyps. He or she will also perform certain tests. Most people with colon polyps don’t have symptoms. However, some people do have symptoms, such as
- bleeding from the rectum, which can leave blood on your underwear or on toilet paper after a bowel movement
- blood in your stool, which can make stool look black or can show up as red streaks in your stool
- feeling tired from having fewer red blood cells and a lack of iron in your body, caused by bleeding from colon polyps
How are colon polyps treated?
Doctors usually remove colon polyps during a colonoscopy—a test used to check for colon polyps. After the doctor removes polyps, he or she sends them for testing to find out if they are cancerous.
If you have colon polyps, your doctor will ask you to have regular testing in the future.
How can I prevent colon polyps?
While there isn’t one sure way to prevent colon polyps, you might be able to lower your chances with
eating, diet, and nutrition. You should try losing weight if you’re overweight. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and eat less fatty food, red meat, and processed meat. Talk with your doctor about adding more calcium and vitamin D to your diet.
healthy lifestyle choices. Exercise most days of the week. Don’t smoke, and avoid drinking alcohol. Also ask your doctor if you should take aspirin every day to help prevent colon polyps.
If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to call the office at (706) 548-0058. If you are having a medical emergency, get medical attention immediately at your nearest healthcare facility:
Piedmont Athens Regional: (706) 475-7000
St. Mary's Hospital: (706) 354-3000
This informational material is taken from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources.