The colon is the last part of the digestive tract that processes waste, forms and expels feces. Abnormal growths can occur inside the colon, either benign or malignant (cancer). Benign growths are called polyps or adenomas. If polyps are not caught in time, most will progress to cancer. Colon polyps usually do not cause symptoms, so people who have polyps are unaware of them until they are found during a colonoscopy or other tests. Many bowel cancers can be prevented if polyps are given to be removed before they progress to cancer. Specialists who treat digestive diseases (including intestinal polyps and bowel cancer) are called gastroenterologists. Because bowel cancer is the second most deadly tumor in developed countries, it is important to screen the population for early detection of intestinal polyps or bowel cancer. Risk factors 1. Family history of intestinal polyps or bowel cancer 2. Less active, high-fat diet associated with increased risk of bowel cancer 3. Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) 4. German Jews (of Eastern European descent) have a higher risk of bowel cancer than other ethnic groups Treatment Polyps can be removed during colonoscopy (an outpatient examination that uses a flexible tube with a light source inserted through the anus into the rectum and into the colon, allowing the doctor to fully The doctor can look at the inside of the colon and check for abnormalities, polyps, or tumor lesions). The cut polyps are sent for pathological examination to see if there are cancer cells inside the polyps. If cancer cells are found, the doctor will make a treatment plan based on the extent of the bowel cancer and whether it has spread. A colonoscopy to remove the polyps may be sufficient. Otherwise, treatment for bowel cancer often requires surgery. Chemotherapy may be required after surgery. Prevention Colonoscopy starting at age 50 (or earlier if there are risk factors) is the only way to detect most polyps. Sigmoidoscopy only examines the last segment of the left half of the colon and is not a complete test to check for polyps or bowel cancer. Polyps can only be detected by fecal occult blood test if they cause bleeding. 1. Consume a low-fat, fiber-rich, fruit- and vegetable-rich diet 2. Exercise regularly 3. Don’t smoke 4. Maintain a healthy weight