A colorectal polyp is actually a raised lesion on the surface of the intestinal mucosa, or in layman’s terms, a lump of flesh growing in the intestinal canal. The main concern of many patients with intestinal polyps is: Doctor, will this become intestinal cancer?
Studies have found that if polyps continue to grow, they can become adenomas, and if adenomas continue to develop, they can become cancerous. According to statistics, 80-95% of colorectal cancers “evolve” from intestinal polyps step by step: small polyps → large polyps → severe atypical hyperplasia → carcinoma in situ → invasive cancer. Generally, this process may take 5-10 years, but some people progress quickly.
Today, many people are used to check coarse grains off their dietary intake list. The immediate consequence of “going coarse” is an excessive intake of fat and protein. Another result of insufficient intake of coarse fiber is constipation. Stool is the body’s “garbage”, if not removed every day, a longer period of time accumulated in the intestinal tract, the harmful substances in the stool will easily cause damage to the intestinal mucosa, resulting in “self-poisoning” and even induced cancer.
In this regard, daily life should eat more crude fiber-rich foods such as asparagus, celery, leeks, cabbage, radish, etc.. These green leafy vegetables can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, increase the number of bowel movements and take away carcinogenic and toxic substances from feces. Also need to eat more starchy food. Because these foods are rich in potassium, they can maintain the excitability of the intestinal nerve muscles and facilitate the smooth flow of stool, thus playing a role in preventing colon cancer. Rice, corn, wheat, potato, yam, groundnut, banana, dragon fruit, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, corn porridge, date porridge are all starchy foods. But snacks like French fries, potato chips, and snacks high in margarine should be eaten sparingly.
In addition, people at high risk of colon cancer (family history of colon cancer or those who have had polyps; long-term high-fat, processed meat products, low-fiber diet; people older than 50 years old) need to pay attention to whether they have had a colonoscopy and when it is time for a review.
It is recommended that people at high risk have an annual fecal occult blood and anal finger test. If there is a positive result do another colonoscopy, if there is no positive finding, then a repeat colonoscopy once every 5 years is sufficient.