How fast polyps grow

The same factors that caused it to grow in the first place, however, could cause polyp growth at another location in the colon or rectum. New polyps will develop in at least 30 percent of people who have previously had polyps. Return to homepage. Thursday, September 9, - pm. What is a polyp? What are the risk factors? You may have a greater chance of getting polyps if: You are 45 years of age or older You have had polyps before Someone in your family has had polyps Someone in your family has had colon or rectal cancer You have had uterine or ovarian cancer before age 50 You use tobacco products smoking, chewing tobacco, etc.

Sign up to receive our monthly Cancer Talk e-newsletter. Sign up! Tags: Colonoscopy. Have You Had a Colonoscopy Yet? Thankfully, because this is a slow process, getting regular colonoscopies to find and remove polyps — while they are still in the benign or precancerous stage — can prevent cancer and save your life.

Wonder how long it takes colorectal cancers to develop? Colorectal surgeon James Church, MD, explains how a colorectal polyp develops and grows into cancer. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Q: How long does it take colorectal polyps to turn into cancer? A: We think the whole process takes about 10 years. People who have had polyps in the past are more likely to form additional polyps — that increases the risk of a future cancer and makes regular screenings even more important.

Yes — all polyps are tested after they are removed, and the tests determine what types of polyps they are. How long does it take a polyp to turn into a cancer? However, this chain of events may occur faster in people with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes. For these people and others at high risk for colorectal cancer , more frequent screening is usually advised. Can a high-fiber diet prevent polyps?

While a diet high in fiber is beneficial on multiple levels and highly encouraged, the research to date has not been able to prove an association with reduced risk of polyps or colorectal cancer. Is there any way to prevent polyps from forming? Another anti-inflammatory called celecoxib Celebrex also is used to reduce the risk of polyps and cancer in people with an inherited condition called familial adenomatous polyposis, or FAP.

Studies are currently underway to determine whether or not people at average risk of colon cancer would benefit from these or other preventive medicines. Until we learn more, there may not be much you can do to prevent the formation of polyps, but there is plenty you can do to prevent them from becoming cancerous.