Colon Polyps and Cancer

Updated 03/03/2024
Category: Condition

Cancer of the colon is a major health problem in the United States.

It ranks as a leading form of cancer, along with lung, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Importantly, colon cancer is also one of the most curable forms of cancer. When detected early, more than 90 percent of patients can be cured. More importantly, it is also a preventable cancer.

This disease begins in the cells that line the colon. There now is strong medical evidence that in addition to lifestyle, diet and environmental factors, there are abnormal genes for colon polyps and cancer that can be passed from parent to child. The genes within each cell are the hereditary structures that tell the cell what it should do. When some of these controlling genes are absent or mutate there is a tendency to grow polyps. The cells in the polyp eventually become uncontrolled and turn into a cancer. Colon cancer also can develop with other conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammation in the colon.

What is a colon polyp?

A polyp is a growth that occurs in the colon and other organs. These growths, or fleshy tumors, are shaped like a mushroom or a dome-like button and occur on the inside lining of the colon. They may be as small as a tiny pea or larger than a plum. Colon polyps start out as benign tumors but in time may become malignant. The larger the polyp, the more likely it is to contain cancer cells.

Why do colon polyps / cancer form?

A great deal is known about why and how polyps form. In some people heredity and genes are the most important factors. In others, while heredity may be necessary, diet and lifestyle may also be very important.

Heredity and genes

With certain family histories only the physician can properly advise you. In some families the genetic disorder is so strong that it is the only thing that matters.  Familial Polyposis and Lynch Syndrome (also known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer, HNPCC; see below) are two disorders that are clearly linked to genes alone. For the vast majority of polyps, dietary and genetic influences may be of equal importance. The data is not entirely clear but the medical evidence strongly suggests this.

Diet

There are literally thousands of chemicals and substances in the foods we eat. Each person eats different types and amounts of food, so doing medical studies to determine which are important is difficult. Nevertheless, certain substances have been found to be important.

A free radical is a natural byproduct of normal metabolism. These free radicals may cause damage within the body. Fruits and vegetables have great quantities of antioxidants, chemicals that neutralize the free radicals. Animal foods do not contain antioxidants. People who eat diets rich in fruits and vegetables seem to have a lower incidence of many cancers including colon cancer. The recommendation is to eat five portions of colorful fruits and/or vegetables each day. Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene supplements have not been shown to prevent any cancer.  Globally, those societies and cultures where there is higher intake of animal fat seem to have higher rates of colon cancer.

Calcium

Calcium in some ways regulates the growth of the cells that line the inside of the colon. This may be why some medical studies have shown that people who get 1,000-1,500 mg of calcium a day in their diet have less colon cancer. This level of calcium (from milk, dairy products, vegetables or supplements) is currently recommended for healthy bones. It may also benefit the colon.

Meat and saturated fat

Saturated fat may be broken down in the body to carcinogens which, at least in animals, can lead to colon cancer. Saturated fat is found in many prepared foods such as pastries and sauces and in meats. A significant reduction in saturated fat intake is recommended for many health benefits.

Fiber

Studies years ago did relate a very high fiber diet in rural Africans to reduced intestinal problems such as diverticulosis and colon cancer. A recent analysis of the eating habits of over 100,000 American nurses showed that fiber, up to 25 grams a day, by itself, was not protective against this cancer. However, most fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and also contain beneficial chemicals to include antioxidants.

In summary, diets high in fruits, vegetables and calcium and low in saturated fats and meats offer the best protection against colon cancer and many other cancers.

Three categories of polyps

Enough is now known about polyps that physicians generally place patients in one of three categories. In each of these the end result is an adenoma type polyp:

1. The Ordinary Polyp: Most sporadic polyps occur after the age of 40. There may be only one or two present and they may take ten years or more to develop into a cancer. There is a hereditary link. Eventually some of these become cancer.
2. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: This is a true hereditary condition in which the entire colon is studded with hundreds, even thousands of polyps. They begin at a very early age even under ten years old. Virtually every patient will eventually develop colon cancer. The only known preventive treatment is surgical removal of the colon. Fortunately, the condition is not common.
3. Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer): This disorder is more common than familial polyposis but less so than the ordinary polyp. There is a strong tendency for adenoma type polyps to occur in close blood relatives such as sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and children. More polyps are seen and at an early age. Polyps and even cancer occur at earlier ages, 40’s, 30’s and even in the 20’s. In some families there is also an increased incidence of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. So a family history of this type warrants very close surveillance of all direct blood relatives.

Detection

The key to early detection of colon polyps and cancer is the concern and willingness of each person to seek medical attention from a physician. The physician generally may perform the following:

1. Medical history: The patient’s medical history will identify the presence of risk factors for colon polyps and cancer.
2. Stool exams to detect occult (hidden) blood in the stool associated with colon cancer: This test involves testing the stool for the presence of blood that colon cancer may shed into the stool. If positive, a follow-up test of the colon is usually advised.
3. Sigmoidoscopy: This is a visual exam of the rectum and lower colon using a lighted, flexible endoscope. It allows for the direct detection of colon tumors.
4. Colonoscopy: This procedure examines the entire 5-6 foot long colon. The exam is usually done under sedation. It is really the definitive exam since colon polyps can be discovered and removed at the same time.
5. Barium Enema: This x-ray exam is an older exam which, at times, is still useful. Barium flows into the colon and x-rays are taken which then can outline the shadows of polyps and cancer. Polyps cannot be removed by this technique.
6. Virtual Colonoscopy: This test is an alternative to colonoscopy. Studies indicate that it does not pick up small polyps as well as colonoscopy. Furthermore, like barium enema, polyps can not be removed when they are found.
7. DNA Tests: There are now tests that examine a stool specimen for the presence of DNA that a colon cancer may shed.

Prevention

Since your genes cannot be changed, if there is a family history of colon polyps or cancer, a colonoscopy should be performed to remove any polyps before they become malignant. Calcium and aspirin may have a protective role. Ask your physician about taking a calcium supplement and/or aspirin. While dietary fiber and regular exercise are not clearly protective, they play a real role in promoting long-term good health.

Summary

Cancer of the colon is a serious but readily detected malignancy. Early detection promises a particularly high chance of survival. Most colon cancers start as polyps, which can usually be removed through a colonoscopic exam. Today, there is much that can be done to prevent and cure this cancer. The essential first step involves action by the patient.