### Understanding Colon Polyps Colon polyps are small growths on the lining of your colon or large intestine, part of your digestive tract. Most aren’t harmful, but some can turn into colon cancer over time. For that reason, your doctor needs to remove any colon polyps you have. #### How Common Are Colon Polyps? From 15% to 40% of adults are thought to have colon polyps. They're most likely to affect men and people over 50. #### Causes and Risk Factors Changes in genes (called mutations) cause most colon polyps. Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing polyps, including age, family history, and lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol consumption. #### Types of Colon Polyps 1. **Adenomatous Polyps (Adenomas)**: About 70% of all colon polyps are this type. Only a few go on to become cancerous. 2. **Serrated Polyps**: Some types can turn into cancer. 3. **Hyperplastic Polyps**: This type is unlikely to turn into cancer. 4. **Hamartomas or Juvenile Polyps**: Rare and usually non-cancerous. 5. **Inflammatory Polyps**: Often found in people with inflammatory bowel disease and are not true polyps. #### Symptoms Most colon polyps don’t cause symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain. #### Screening and Removal It's important to spot polyps early to prevent colorectal cancer. Screening tests include colonoscopy, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, stool tests, and lower gastrointestinal series. During a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, your doctor can remove polyps using forceps or a wire loop. #### Prevention While there's no way to prevent the gene changes that lead to colon polyps, regular screenings and adopting good health habits can help reduce your risk.