Colon Polyp Detection: An Important Step in Preventing Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. The key is early detection while the body is still healthy. Through a colonoscopy, doctors can find and promptly remove small lumps on the colon wall called polyps .

Most polyps found are not cancerous, but rather precancerous . By removing these polyps early, they don't have the chance to grow and become malignant cancer later.

Understanding the Types of Colon Polyps

Polyps are extra tissue growths on the inner lining of the colon. During a colonoscopy, your doctor will cut and remove the polyps using special instruments. The type of polyp found will determine how often you need to have follow-up exams:

  • Hyperplastic Polyps: This type of polyp is generally benign and not precancerous. However, doctors will usually remove it as a precautionary measure.
  • Adenoma: This is the most common type of precancerous polyp. It takes about 7 to 10 years (or more) for these polyps to develop into cancer. Although statistically, only about 5% of adenomas actually turn into cancer, doctors will always remove all adenomas found to minimize the risk.
  • Sessile Serrated Polyp : This polyp has a distinctive shape and has now been classified as a type that is at risk of causing cancer, so it must be removed immediately.

Some examination procedures

  • Visual examinations , such as colonoscopy or CT colonography , are used to evaluate the inside of the colon and rectum to detect polyps (abnormal tissue growths) or cancer (ideally).
  • Stool-based tests aim to detect signs of malignancy in stool samples and can be performed independently. These tests include the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) , the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) , and the Multi-Target Stool DNA Test .
  • All abnormal results obtained from non-colonoscopy screening examinations should be followed up with a colonoscopy in a timely manner to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Individuals with a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer , or those with other risk factors, may require screening starting before age 45 , undergoing screening at more frequent intervals, and/or undergoing certain types of tests tailored to their risk profile.

Colon Screening Timing Guide

After the first polyp is removed, regular checkups are essential because there's a 25% to 30% chance that new polyps will grow back. The time between subsequent colonoscopies depends largely on the results of the first exam:

The Key to a Successful Examination: Clean Bowel Preparation

The quality of colonoscopy results depends largely on how clean your colon is before the procedure. If your colon is clean, your doctor can clearly see the entire colon wall and avoid missing any hidden polyps.

Colonoscopy Preparation Tips:

  • Follow the bowel cleansing instructions (administration of laxatives) given by the medical team carefully.
  • Eat a low-fiber diet for 4 to 5 days before the exam. Dietary fiber can get caught in the folds of the intestinal wall and block the doctor's view of the camera.

Independent Steps to Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer

In addition to regular medical check-ups, you can protect your digestive health through healthy everyday lifestyle changes:

  • Limit Red and Processed Meat Consumption: Reduce your consumption of beef or lamb, and limit cured meat products (such as sausage, corned beef, or smoked meat). Several studies have shown a strong link between a diet high in processed meat and an increased risk of colon cancer. The Mediterranean diet is highly recommended.
  • Consider Calcium and Zinc Intake: A diet rich in calcium is considered good for helping maintain bone health while also providing additional protection for the health of your intestinal lining.
  • Discuss Aspirin Use with Your Doctor: In some cases, low-dose aspirin for heart health has also been shown to provide indirect protection for the colon. However, always consult your doctor before taking this medication regularly.

EMC Tangerang Hospital offers superior services for internal medicine, specifically digestive care. Our specialist doctors are ready to assist with the latest medical technology and safe, low-risk procedures. We are here not only as a medical team, but as a companion on your journey of recovery, from initial examination to complete recovery.

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