Researchers from Flinders University and Flinders Medical Center have identified a significant association between two common types of intestinal polyps and an increased risk of cancer. Their findings will be published in a magazine Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology (CGH).
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a serious health concern. In Australia, it is the second leading cause of cancer death and ranks fourth in terms of the number of cancers diagnosed.
Many colorectal cancers start as polyps, which are growths that form on the lining of the intestines. These tumors are usually benign and do not cause immediate harm. However, two specific types of polyps, adenomas and serrated polyps, can develop into cancer over time.
Colonoscopy study finds 5x increased risk
To better understand this risk, researchers examined records from more than 8,400 colonoscopies. This analysis showed that people with both adenomas and serrated polyps were much more likely to develop advanced precancerous changes. In fact, the risk was up to five times higher than for people who only had one type of polyp.
“Polyps are common and usually harmless, but when both types occur together (so-called synchronous lesions), the risk of serious bowel disease and cancer increases sharply,” says lead author Mora Wassey, Ph.D., a research fellow in the FHMRI Bowel Health Service.
The researchers also discovered that this combination may be more widespread than previously thought. Almost half of the patients who had serrated polyps also had adenomas.
Separate cancer pathways can occur simultaneously
“This is one of the largest studies of its kind,” says Dr. Wasy.
“Our findings support growing international evidence that these two types of polyps may represent separate cancer pathways that can be active simultaneously, making early detection and regular monitoring even more important.”
This study also suggests that serrated polyps can progress to cancer faster than adenomas. This highlights the importance of screening strategies and follow-up colonoscopy schedules that reflect differences between polyp types.
Why regular colonoscopies are important
“Polyps are more likely to occur as we age, but the key is to find and remove them early,” says Dr. Wasy.
“If you have both types of polyps, it’s especially important to stay on top of your colonoscopy schedule.”
People over the age of 45 or with a family history of bowel disease are encouraged to talk to their GP or visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to learn about the screening options available to them.
The Southern Cooperative Program for Colorectal Cancer Prevention (SCOOP) was initially funded by the National Demonstration Hospital Program Phase 3. Dr Wasy is supported by an NHMRC Researcher Grant (#2009050).
