Colon Polyps and Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and affects men and women equally. However, colon cancer is one of the most preventable and curable forms of cancer. Colon cancers almost always begin with polyps. Polyps are small growths of fleshy tumors that occur on the inside lining of the colon. Colon polyps start out as benign tumors and are very slow growing. However, over the course of years, as they enlarge, the risk of cancer increases. Colon cancer can be prevented by removing polyps during a colonoscopy.
There are certain risk factors for the development of colon cancer, which include: age over 50, a family history of colon cancer or polyps, polyposis syndromes and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). Other possible risk factors include obesity, significant alcohol use, smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity and a diet high in animal sources (low in fiber).
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to screen for it and remove polyps before they become cancerous. Screening tools include: stool tests to detect occult (hidden) blood, sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the “Gold Standard” for prevention, detection and removal of polyps and colon cancer.
Anyone over the age of 50 should be screened and those with risk factors should begin screening in their 30’s or 40’s. Colon cancer is preventable. Ask you doctor what is appropriate for you today.
