Compared with other cancers, the early stage of colorectal cancer is actually very simple: 80% to 90% of colorectal cancers are caused by "polyp malignant transformation". From polyps to cancer, the whole process is very long, at least 10 years. If it can be checked in time at this time, cancer can be greatly reduced.

1. What is an intestinal polyp?

        From a professional point of view, intestinal polyps is not a disease diagnosis, but a morphological description. The epithelial tissue protruding from the surface of the intestinal mucosa, collectively called intestinal polyps, appears due to the combined influence of multiple factors such as life, environment, and genetic factors.
        In terms of location, intestinal polyps can grow on the small intestine or on the large intestine. Among them, most polyps are located in the large intestine, and the incidence of polyps in the small intestine is lower than that in the large intestine.
        In terms of quantity, some people have only one intestinal polyp, while others have dozens or even hundreds of them.
        In terms of size, some intestinal polyps can be as small as sesame seeds, some are as big as peas, and even as big as peanuts and chestnuts.

2. What are the symptoms of intestinal polyps?

        With small intestinal polyps, most people will not feel any special feelings. At most, they will occasionally experience some discomfort such as stomach pain and bloating. However, people who often eat bloating may have this discomfort at any time. So most people shouldn't be particularly concerned.
        Only when the polyps are relatively large can there be more obvious symptoms such as blackened stools, blood in the baba, increased stool frequency, and frequent abdominal pain.

3. The best way to find intestinal polyps!

        After all, the intestines are in the body. People who have no obvious symptoms can only find out if they have intestinal polyps through colonoscopy. Therefore, it is recommended that the general population should have a colonoscopy after the age of 50, and if there is no problem, check once every 5 to 10 years.
        As for the following high-risk groups, it is strongly recommended to have colonoscopy screening regularly:
        First-degree relatives have a history of colorectal cancer (parents, children, siblings with the same parents);
        Fecal occult blood test is positive;
        Previously suffering from colorectal adenomatous polyps; ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and other precancerous diseases;
        I have a history of cancer;
        Sudden changes in bowel habits recently;
        Meet any of the following 2 items: chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation, mucus blood in the stool, history of chronic appendicitis or appendectomy, diabetes, history of chronic cholecystitis or cholecystectomy.