Small growths of tissue that appear along the inside of the wall of the colon are referred to as colon polyps. These growths are typically benign or noncancerous, but people can experience bowel movement changes, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding as symptoms of this condition. Understanding the causes of polyps in the colon can help people reduce their risk of developing these growths.
Normal Aging
This common condition affects approximately one-third to one-half of adults, UpToDate reports. Of these cases, approximately 90 percent are diagnosed in patients older than age 50. Thus, as people age, their risk of developing colon polyps also increases.
Family and Personal Medical History
People who have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps are more likely to develop these colon growths. Medical conditions characterized by bowel inflammation, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can also make a person more susceptible to polyps in the colon, according to Dr. Janet M. Torpy in a September 2008 article published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." This type of colon growth is more common in people of Eastern European descent, such as the Ashkenazi Jews. Women who have been diagnosed with ovarian or uterine cancer before the age of 50 may also be at risk of developing colon polyps, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports.
Lifestyle Choices
Poor lifestyles choices can cause certain people to develop colon polyps. People who indulge in frequently high-fat, low-fiber diets or consume large amounts of red meat are more likely to have this condition, UpToDate warns. Additional lifestyle factors, such as inactivity or smoking cigarettes, can also elevate a person's risk of developing polyps in the colon. Maintaining a healthy weight with exercise and a low-fat, high-fiber diet can help reduce a person's risk of colon polyps.
