PRE-CANCER COLON POLYPS

Colonoscopies are used to spot and remove lesions, or polyps that are pre-cancerous. People without adenomas – the pre-cancerous type of polyp – were researched studied in a 2010 study and found substantial overuse of the test for low-risk people. In that study, people in one group had no adenomas on their first exam, had another negative exam, and came back for a third exam, says Robert E. Schoen, M.D., M.P.H, lead author of the study and a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. “More than 90 percent had all three tests within nine years – whereas current guidelines say the first exam was sufficient,” he says.

Who might have them: Anyone 50 or older and those with inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of adenomas or colorectal cancer. Twenty to 50 percent of adults will have adenomas in their lifetime, and 5 to 6 percent will develop cancer.

How to reduce your risk: Eat more fruit and vegetables and less fatty foods, exercise, and lose excess weight. Do not smoke, an avoid alcohol. Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D, and do weight bearing exercises such as walking and muscle strengthening exercises.

How to avoid over-treatment: Begin at age 50 for average-risk people. For those with a family history of colon cancer, or personal history of colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, doctors might recommend earlier or more frequent colon examinations. After age 75, routine screening might not be needed. If pre-cancerous polyps are detected, they can be removed at the time of the procedure. If normal it may not need to be repeated for 10 years. Other recommended tests include an annual stool test which can detect tiny amounts of blood in stool samples.