What causes colon polyps and who gets them?

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What causes colon polyps and who gets them?

Polyps are found in about 30% of the adult population over the age of 45-50. Men and women of all ethnicities are at risk of colon polyps and colon cancer.

A polyp is the result of genetic changes in the cells of the colon lining that affect the normal cell life cycle. Many factors can increase the risk or rate of these changes. Factors are related to your diet, lifestyle, older age, gender and genetics or hereditary issues. Important lifestyle factors predisposing to colorectal polyps and cancer (making you more liable to get these conditions) include:

  • Smoking.
  • Excess alcohol ingestion (drinking too much alcohol).
  • Not exercising.
  • Being overweight.
  • Eating processed foods and too much red meat (instead of a mostly plant-based food plan).

Other factors include:

  • Being of African American ethnicity.
  • Having a personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
  • Having a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or primary sclerosis cholangitis.

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