Colon Polyps And A High Fiber Diet

People are concerned about colon polyps because of their link to colon cancer. The best way to prevent colon polyps is through regular screening by a physician, according to the Mayo Clinic. Diet and lifestyle factors can also help keep the colon healthy and may prevent the development of a polyp.

Colon Polyps

A colon polyp is a growth on the wall of the colon. It can either be raised or flat. The flat colon polyps tend to be smaller and harder to see, and also are more likely to be cancerous, according to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, or NIDDK. A polyp is removed during a colonoscopy and then tested for cancer.

Risk Factors

Polyps do not discriminate: Everyone is at risk, according to NIDDK. However, certain groups of people have a greater risk of developing a colon polyp. People at greater risk include anyone over age 50, people who have had a colon polyp in the past, those with a family history of polyps or colon cancer and those who have had uterine or ovarian cancer before age 50.

Prevention

Lifestyle factors may help prevent the development of colon polyps. Diets high in calcium protect against the development of colon polyps and colon cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. People concerned about colon polyps should limit their intake of saturated fat and increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Also, foods high in fiber reduce the risk of developing colon polyps, the Mayo Clinic says.

High Fiber Diet

Fiber needs will depend on age and sex. Adult men younger than 50 need 38 grams of fiber per day; those older need 30 grams. Women younger than 50 need 25 grams of fiber per day; older women need 21 grams, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Foods high in fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. The American Cancer Society recommends people eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day to help prevent cancer.

Considerations

Fiber may not prevent the development of cancerous colon polyps. A study published in 2000 in "The New England Journal of Medicine" investigated the effects of a low-fat, high fiber diet on the recurrence of colorectal adenomas. Over 2,000 men and women with a history of cancerous polyps participated in the study. They were counseled to follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet. The study showed that the rate of recurrent colorectal adenoma was not affected by the increase in fiber intake. However, the researchers stated they could not definitively conclude that diet is ineffective at reducing the risk for colorectal adenoma given the evidence that a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains reduces risk of chronic disease and mortality.