A recent study by Flinders University reveals a significant link between having both adenomas and serrated polyps in the bowel and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals with these synchronous lesions are five times more likely to develop advanced pre-cancerous changes.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). What makes this cancer particularly dangerous is that the symptoms don't appear in early stages, which delays diagnosis and drastically reduces treatment outcomes. Experts now think that common growth can significantly increase the risk of bowel cancer. A new study conducted by the researchers at Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre has found a critical link between having two types of polyps, common growths found in the bowel, and an increased risk of developing cancer. The findings of the study are published in the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH) journal.Bowel cancer and common growths

Most of the bowel cancers begin as benign polys, which are non-threatening growths that appear on the wall or the lining of the bowel. There are two types of polyps - adenomas and serrated polyps, which can progress into cancer. To understand if these common growths could increase cancer risk, the researchers analyzed over 8,400 colonoscopy records. They found that people with both adenomas and serrated polyps were up to five times more likely to develop advanced pre-cancerous changes than those with just one type. “Polyps are common and usually harmless, but when both types appear together—what we call synchronous lesions—the risk of serious bowel disease or cancer rises sharply,” Dr. Molla Wassie, lead author and researcher at the FHMRI Bowel Health Service, said in a statement. What's more concerning is that nearly half of all the patients with serrated polyps also had adenomas, which hints that the high-risk group is more common than previously thought.

“This is one of the largest studies of its kind. Our findings support growing international evidence that these two types of polyps may represent separate cancer pathways that can be active at the same time, making early detection and regular monitoring even more important,” Dr. Wassie said. The researchers also noticed that serrated polyps may progress to cancer faster than adenomas.“Polyps become more common as we age, but the key is catching and removing them early. If you've had both types of polyps, it's especially important to stay on top of your colonoscopy schedule. If you're over 45 or have a family history of bowel issues, talk to your GP or visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to learn more,” Dr. Wassie added.

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What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

Though bowel cancer does not have symptoms in the early stages, regular screening can help catch the disease early. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool)

• Rectal bleeding

• Abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating that persists

• Unexplained weight loss

• Chronic fatigue

Factors such as age, family history, personal history, and lifestyle factors (diet high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables, sedentary behaviour, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption) may increase the risk.