“I have a family history of colon polyps. What can I do to prevent it?”
I have a family history of colon polyps. In fact, both my parents have suffered from this condition. What can I do to prevent this condition for myself?
3 Answers
Unfortunately there is nothing specific you can do to prevent polyps. The best thing you can do is to maintain a healthy lifestyle in regard to eating and exercise, and to be diligent about colon cancer screening with colonoscopy beginning at age 40. Michelle M Olson, MD, MACM Vice President of Graduate Medical Education and DIO Interim Director, General Surgery Residency Program Methodist Health System Dallas o: 214-947-2356 c: 570-394-3588
Depending on your age and the age of your parents at the time of discovery of their polyps. If at a young age there is familial polyps is which is inherited and requires surgery.If its just a few polyps in middle age then you certainly need a colonoscopy,because polyps can become cancerous..if you keep growing them you can take clinoril to keep them suppressed.
A high fiber diet may be useful. Most importantly you need routine colonoscopies.
