Definition & Facts for Colon Polyps

In this section:

• What are colon polyps?
• Are colon polyps cancerous?
• How common are colon polyps?
• Who is more likely to develop colon polyps?
• When should I start colon polyp screening?

What are colon polyps?

Colon polyps are growths on the lining of your colon and rectum. You can have more than one colon polyp.

Are colon polyps cancerous?

Colon and rectal cancer—also called colorectal cancer—most often begins as polyps. Most polyps are not cancerous, but some may turn into cancer over time. Removing polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States.1

How common are colon polyps?

Colon polyps are common in American adults. Anywhere between 15 and 40 percent of adults may have colon polyps. Colon polyps are more common in men and older adults.2

Who is more likely to develop colon polyps?

Although anyone can develop colon polyps, you may have a greater chance of developing them if you

• are age 45 or older1
• have someone in your family who has had polyps or colorectal cancer
• have inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• have obesity3
• smoke cigarettes3

When should I start colon polyp screening?

Screening is testing for diseases when you have no symptoms. Finding and removing polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer. Your doctor will recommend screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 45 if you don’t have health problems or other factors that make you more likely to develop colorectal cancer.1

If you are at higher risk for colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend screening at a younger age. You also may need to be tested more often.

If you are older than age 75, talk with your doctor about whether you should be screened. For more information, read the current colorectal cancer screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

References

1] Colorectal Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Updated May 18, 2021. Accessed May 25, 2021. [www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening#fullrecommendationstart

[2] Bonnington SN, Rutter MD. Surveillance of colonic polyps: are we getting it right? World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2016;22(6):1925–1934.

[3] Shussman N, Wexner SD. Colorectal polyps and polyposis syndromes. Gastroenterology Report. 2014;2(1):1–15

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