Health Topics for Aging

Nursing Homes/Care Centers

Geriatric Assessment Clinic

Colon polyps

Colon polyps are growths that stick out from the lining of the lower intestine. People do not usually know the polyps are there unless they bleed or are found during an examination of the colon.

Most polyps are small in size and usually do not cause any problems. They are benign and do not become cancerous. Larger benign polyps can interfere with health by making it more difficult to pass a bowel movement.

Another type of colon polyp, called an adenoma, is potentially cancerous. Thirty percent of people over age 50 have at least one adenoma. Some adenomas stay harmless. However, others may turn into cancer. The larger the adenoma, the more likely that it will become cancerous. It takes about 5 years for a medium-size adenoma to develop and about 10 years for a cancer to develop. This allows plenty of time to be tested.

Polyps of any size can bleed, causing black tarry stools, red blood in the stool, and anemia. Because polyps and adenomas often have no symptoms, people over the age of 50 should have their stool tested for blood once a year. A negative blood test does not rule out the presence of polyps. People over 50 should also have a test called a colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years. This test lets your healthcare provider look inside your colon to check for polyps, adenomas or changes since your last test.

Polyps can occur in anyone but some people are more likely than others to get them. You are more likely to develop polyps if:

• you are over 50
• you have had polyps before
• someone in your family has had polyps before or
• someone in your family has had cancer of the large intestine

You are also at higher risk of getting polyps if you:

• eat a lot of fatty foods
• smoke
• drink alcohol
• weigh too much or
• do not exercise

You are more likely to get colorectal cancer if you have:

• a relative with colorectal cancer
• a history of multiple polyps
• a previous colorectal adenoma or
• ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease

If you have any of these risks, you need a colonoscopy. Remember that any cancerous growth is best treated if found early. This gives the best chance for complete recovery. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any changes in your bowel habits, including blood in your stool, pain, or changes in the shape of the stool.

For all men and women 50 years of age or older, who are at average risk of colon cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends the following screening tests for colon cancer:

• fecal occult blood test every year OR
• flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years OR
• fecal occult blood test every year with a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years OR
• colonoscopy every 10 years OR
• double contrast barium enema every 5 years

Of the first three options, the American Cancer Society recommends the third option, of the fecal occult blood test every year and the flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. If the fecal occult blood test is positive then a colonoscopy would be done instead of the sigmoidoscopy. If any of these tests (except colonoscopy) are positive, they should be followed up with a colonoscopy. The take- home multiple sample method of fecal occult blood test is the one that should be done.

Anyone who has a polyp removed that is cancerous needs to have another colonoscopy within 3 years. This is important because once a person has one polyp, they are more likely to have another polyp later.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File AGIN3367.RF2 VRS# 7810 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.