Many people have colon polyps, which in most cases do not cause any symptoms. The mucosal protrusions themselves are benign, but over time they can become cancerous. We explain which 5 risk factors can cause intestinal polyps.
Intestinal polyps are protrusions of the intestinal mucosa that occur in the small and large intestine and protrude into the intestine. The polyps themselves are benign, but over time, malignant changes can occur, from which colon cancer can develop. This is especially true for the so-called adenomas – intestinal polyps, which consist of glandular tissue of the intestinal mucosa. A healthy lifestyle can prevent the development of colon polyps. This also includes avoiding possible risk factors.
Table of Contents
Intestinal polyps: There are 5 risk factors
1. Alter
In addition to genetic causes, age should also play a role in the development of intestinal polyps. As you get older, the risk of getting colon polyps increases, which in turn increases the risk of colon cancer. Accordingly, the recommended colon cancer screening tests should be carried out in any case. Men should have a colonoscopy from the age of 50 and women from the age of 55.
2. High-fat, low-fiber diet
Since intestinal polyps are much more common in western countries, it is assumed that our lifestyle can also influence the development. Diet is crucial here: A high-fat, low-fiber diet can promote the development of colon polyps and colon cancer. So make sure that you eat a balanced and nutritious diet and avoid highly processed foods and unhealthy trans fats.
3. Alcohol
Most people know that drinking too much alcohol is bad for your health. Large amounts of alcohol can damage the brain and increase the risk of various diseases, including colon cancer. In order to prevent the development of intestinal polyps, you should therefore drink as little alcohol as possible.
What applies to alcohol also applies to nicotine consumption: smokers not only damage their lungs, they also damage their blood vessels, which promotes vascular calcification in the long term. According to the doctors of the Federal Association of Pneumologists (BdP), smokers also have twice the risk of colon cancer as non-smokers. So if you want to prevent intestinal polyps and malignant changes, you should stop smoking.
5. Obesity and lack of exercise
Obesity and lack of exercise are risk factors for various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The two factors can also increase the risk of colon cancer. To prevent colon polyps and reduce the risk of colon cancer, you should lose weight and make sure you get enough exercise every day.
Colon polyps: regular colon cancer screening is important
Since the intestinal polyps only grow slowly, possible changes can be detected and removed in good time with the help of regular colonoscopies. Regular colorectal cancer screening appointments are particularly important, since in most cases the colon polyps do not cause any symptoms . In most cases, only particularly large polyps cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea. In rare cases, the polyps can also bleed: if your stool turns red, you should always consult a doctor. Since it is not possible to predict whether a colon polyp will develop into colon cancer or not, it is advisable to remove every specimen.
