Home | Jackson Siegelbaum Gastro | Patient Education
		Colon Polyps and Cancer Learn how the new prebiotic plant fibers fit into the dietary control of polyps and cancer. Purchase the new prebiotic fiber powders. Cancer of the colon is a major health problem in the United States. It ranks as a leading form of cancer, along with lung and breast cancer. Importantly, colon cancer is also one of the most curable forms of cancer. When detected early, more than 90 percent of patients can be cured. This disease begins in the cells that line the colon. There now is strong medical evidence that there are abnormal genes for colon polyps and cancer that can be passed from parent to child. The genes within each cell are the hereditary structures that tell the cell what it should do. When these controlling genes are absent there is a tendency to grow polyps. The cells in the polyp eventually become uncontrolled and turn into a cancer. Colon cancer also can develop with other conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammation in the colon. What is a Colon Polyp? A polyp is a growth that occurs in the colon and other organs. These growths, or fleshy tumors, are shaped like a mushroom or a dome-like button, and occur on the inside lining of the colon. They may be as small as a tiny pea or larger than a plum. Colon polyps start out as benign tumors but in time may become malignant. The larger the polyp, the more likely it is to contain cancer cells. Why do Colon Polyps/Cancer Form? A great deal is known about why and how polyps form. In some people heredity and genes are the most important factors. In others, heredity may be necessary but diet and foods may also be very important. Heredity and genes With certain family histories only the physician can properly advise you. In some families the genetic disorder is so strong that it is the only thing that matters. Hereditory Familial Polyposis and Lynch Syndrome (see below) are two disorders that are clearly linked to genes alone. For the vast majority of polyps, dietary and genetic influences may be of equal importance. The data is not entirely clear but the medical evidence strongly suggests this. Diet There are literally thousands of chemicals and substances in the foods we eat. Each person eats different types and amounts of food, so doing medical studies to determine which are important is difficult. Nevertheless, certain substances have been found to be important. A free radical is a natural byproduct of normal metabolism. These free radicals may cause damage within the body. Fruits and vegetables have great quantities of antioxidants, chemicals that neutralize the free radicals. Animal foods do not contain antioxidants. People who eat diets rich in fruits and vegetables seem to have a lower incidence of many cancers including colon cancer. The recommendation is to eat five portions of colorful fruits and/or vegetables each day. Vitamin C, E and betacarotene supplements have not been shown to prevent any cancer. Calcium Calcium is some way regulates the growth of the cells that line the inside of the colon. This may be why medical studies are beginning to show that people who get 1000-1500 mg of calcium a day in their diet have less colon cancer. This level of calcium (from milk, dairy products, vegetables or supplements) is currently recommended for healthy bones. It may also benefit the colon. Meat and saturated fat Saturated fat may be broken down in the body to carcinogens which, at least in animals, can lead to colon cancer. Saturated fat is found in many prepared foods such as pastries and sauces and in meats. A significant reduction in saturated fat intake is recommended for many health benefits. Fiber Studies years ago did relate a very high fiber diet in rural Africans to reduced intestinal problems such as diverticulosis and colon cancer. A recent analysis of the eating habits of over 100,000 American nurses showed that fiber, up to 25 grams a day, by itself, was not protective against this cancer. However, most fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and also contain benefical chemicals called antioxidants. In summary, diets high in fruits, vegetables and calcium and low in saturated fats and meats offer the best protection against colon cancer and many other cancers. Learn how the new prebiotic plant fibers fit into the dietary control of polyps and cancer. Purchase the new prebiotic fiber powders. Three Categories of Polyps Enough is now known about polyps that physicians generally place patients in one of three categories. In each of these the end result is an adenoma type polyp: The Ordinary Polyp -- Most sporadic polyps occur between the ages of 40 and 60. There may be only one or two present and they may take ten years or more to develop into a cancer. There is a hereditary link. Eventually some of these become cancer. Hereditary Familial Polyposis -- This is a true hereditary condition in which the entire colon is studded with hundreds, even thousands of polyps. They begin at a very early age even under ten years old. Virtually every patient will eventually develop colon cancer. The only known preventive treatment is surgical removal of the colon. Fortunately, the condition is not common. Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer) -- This disorder is more common than familial polyposis but less so than the ordinary polyp. There is a strong tendency for adenoma type polyps to occur in close blood relatives such as sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and children. More polyps are seen and at an early age. Polyps and even cancer occur at earlier ages, 40's, 30's and even in the 20's. In some families there is also an increased incidence of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. So a family history of this type warrants very close surveillance of all direct blood relatives. Detection The key to early detection of colon polyps and cancer is the concern and willingness of each person to seek medical attention from a physician. The physician generally will perform the following: Medical history -- The patient's medical history will identify the presence of risk factors for colon polyps and cancer. Stool exams to detect occult (hidden) blood -- Colon cancers and large polyps may shed minute quantities of blood so examination of the stool for occult blood is an important exam. Sigmoidoscopy -- This is a visual exam of the rectum and lower colon using a lighted, flexible endoscope. It allows for the direct detection of colon tumors. Colonoscopy -- This procedure examines the entire 5-6 foot long colon. The exam is usually done under sedation. It is really the definitive exam since colon polyps can be discovered and removed at the same time. Barium Enema -- This x-ray exam is an older exam which, at times, is still useful. Barium flows into the colon and x-rays are taken which then can outline the shadows of polyps and cancer. Polyps cannot be removed by this technique. Virtual Colonoscopy -- This test is still in the experimental stage. Early studies indicate that it does not pick up small polyps very well. Furthermore, like barium enema, polyps can not be removed even when they are found. Prevention Since your genes cannot be changed, if there is a family history of colon polyps or cancer, a colonoscopy should be performed to remove the polyps before they become malignant. Calcium and aspirin may have a protective role. Ask your physician about taking a calcium supplement and/or aspirin. While dietary fiber and regular exercise are not clearly protective, they play a real role in promoting long-term good health. Summary Cancer of the colon is a serious but readily detected malignancy. Early detection promises a particularly high chance of survival. Most colon cancers start as polyps, which can usually be removed through a colonoscopic exam. Today, there is much that can be done to prevent and cure this cancer. The essential first step involves action by the patient. Learn how the new prebiotic plant fibers fit into the dietary control of polyps and cancer. Purchase the new prebiotic fiber powders. Posted: July 1998 Updated: December 1999 Updated: August 2000 Related Diseases Prevention of Colon Polyps/Cancer Related Diets High Fiber Related Procedures Colonoscopy This material does not cover all information and is not intended as a subsitute for professional care. Please consult with your physician on any matters regarding your health. © Copyright Chek Med Systems®, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
		Patient Ed | Diseases | Procedures | Diets | Drugs | Endoscopy Images | Links Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology 423 North 21st Street, Suite 100   2626 North 3rd Street., Suite 3A Camp Hill, PA 17011 Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 761-0930   Phone: (717) 238-3111 *We can NOT provide medical care over the phone. Please contact us to make an appointment if needed. Fax: (717) 761-0465 Email: contact@gicare.com Web: gicare.com © Copyright 2006 Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. All Rights Reserved.