How Does a Colon Polyp Turn into Cancer?
Colon Cancer
How Does a Colon Polyp Turn into Cancer?
A polyp is a small growth in the colon that is not yet cancerous, but has the potential to grow into cancer. For a typical polyp to grow into colon cancer, it takes about ten years, according to colorectal surgeon Dr. Heather Yeo. The reason doctors recommend regular screening for colon cancer is because if these polyps are detected, they can be removed and prevented from ever turning into cancer.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
A polyp is a small growth in the colon that is not yet cancerous, but has the potential to grow into cancer. For a typical polyp to grow into colon cancer, it takes about ten years, according to colorectal surgeon Dr. Heather Yeo. The reason doctors recommend regular screening for colon cancer is because if these polyps are detected, they can be removed and prevented from ever turning into cancer.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Prevention & Screening: Lower Your Risk
Prevention & Screening: Colonoscopy
Is colon cancer really becoming more prevalent in people under the age of 50? Can you skip screening if you don’t have any symptoms? Dr. Heather Yeo has the answers – and explains some common misconceptions.
Prevention & Screening: Getting the Facts
Is colon cancer really becoming more prevalent in people under the age of 50? Can you skip screening if you don’t have any symptoms? Dr. Heather Yeo has the answers – and explains some common misconceptions.