This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Toufic Kachaamy, MD, Interventional Program Specialist.
This page was updated on April 1, 2022.
Screening tests, including a colonoscopy, can help detect colon polyps.
Although researchers don’t know the exact cause of colon polyps, certain factors could increase a patient’s risk of developing them. These risk factors include:
Colon polyps can come in various shapes and sizes. They may range from several millimeters to a few centimeters in size, and may also be raised or flat.
Colon polyps often develop silently, which means they usually don’t cause symptoms. In some cases, though, you may notice signs such as:
Doctors can diagnose colon polyps by using a screening test for colorectal cancer. Expert groups recommend everyone with an average risk of developing colorectal cancer undergo screening regularly, beginning between the ages of 45 and 50 and continuing through age 75. Between ages 75 and 85, your doctor can help you decide whether it would benefit you to continue screening. If you’re above the age of 85, you no longer need to receive colorectal cancer screening.
If you have a high risk of developing colorectal cancer, you may need to begin screening before you turn 45. The following factors raise a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer:
Types of colorectal cancer screening tests:
Your multidisciplinary care team will work with you to develop a personalized plan to treat your colorectal cancer in a way that fits your individual needs and goals.
If your doctor removes colon polyps, be sure to let your doctor know if you experience any of the following issues afterward:
Eating a healthy diet may reduce your risk of developing colon polyps. Specifically, research suggests that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber-containing foods such as bran cereal and beans may help prevent colon polyps.
Additionally, it’s important to limit certain foods in order to lower your risk of developing colon polyps. Be sure to reduce your intake of high-fat foods such as:
If you’re overweight, losing weight can help lower the risk of developing colon polyps. If you’re already at a healthy weight, try to maintain your weight and avoid weight gain.