Medically reviewed by Dr Usman Naeem, 24 Oct 2026.
Key points
- Polyps usually cause no symptoms.
- Colonoscopy is the main test and treatment.
- Family history and age influence when to start and how often to repeat.
- Blood in the stool, a lasting change in bowel habit, anaemia or weight loss need investigation.
Overview
Most bowel cancers develop from polyps over several years. Removing polyps during colonoscopy reduces the future risk of bowel cancer.
How often colonoscopy needs to be repeated depends on the number, size and type of polyps found, and on your family history.
Causes and risk factors
- Age, with risk rising from the mid-40s
- A parent, brother, sister or child with bowel cancer or polyps, especially young
- Inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, obesity and a diet low in fibre
Symptoms
- Polyps usually cause no symptoms
- Larger polyps or cancers can cause blood in the stool, a change in bowel habit, anaemia or weight loss
When to seek urgent medical care
- Blood in the stool, a change in bowel habit lasting more than a few weeks, unexplained anaemia or weight loss
In an emergency go to the nearest emergency department or call Rescue 1122.
How it is assessed
- Colonoscopy is the main test. Other screening tests exist, but a positive result still needs colonoscopy
- When to start and how often to repeat depends on your age, family history and previous findings, so it needs individual advice
Treatment
Treatment and follow-up
- Polyps are usually removed during colonoscopy
- Follow-up intervals are planned from the number, size and type of polyps found
- Staying active, not smoking and keeping a healthy weight support bowel health
What you can do
Common questions
Is colonoscopy safe?
Serious complications such as bleeding or a tear in the bowel wall are uncommon but possible, particularly when polyps are removed. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks before the procedure.
اردو خلاصہ
آنت کے پولپس چھوٹی گلٹیاں ہوتی ہیں۔ زیادہ تر بے ضرر ہوتی ہیں مگر کچھ قسمیں برسوں میں کینسر بن سکتی ہیں۔ کولونوسکوپی میں انہیں تلاش کر کے نکالا جا سکتا ہے۔ پاخانے میں خون، عادت میں مستقل تبدیلی، خون کی کمی یا وزن میں کمی ہو تو ٹیسٹ کروائیں۔ خاندان میں آنت کے کینسر کی تاریخ ہو تو ڈاکٹر سے جلد مشورہ کریں۔
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This page gives general information prepared for Dr Usman Naeem and is not personal medical advice. See the medical disclaimer.