Colon polyps are small bumps that can grow inside your colon or rectum. Most of the time, they are not harmful, but sometimes they can turn into a serious illness like cancer. It is very important to know the signs of colon polyps so you can stay healthy. If you find them early, doctors can help you get rid of them, often by removing them during a colonoscopy.

In this article, we will talk about eight signs of colon polyps. If you notice any of these signs, you should talk to a doctor.

1. Blood in Your Poop Could Be a Warning Sign

If you see blood in your poop, it could mean you have colon polyps. The blood might look bright red or very dark. Sometimes, you cannot see the blood at all without a special test. If you notice blood, tell your doctor right away.

2. Changes in Bowel Habits That Last a Long Time

Persistent changes in bowel habits that do not go away, like having lots of diarrhea or being constipated for more than a week, could be a sign of colon polyps. If you keep having trouble with your pooping for a long time, tell a doctor.

3. Tummy Pain That Keeps Coming Back

Colon polyps can make your tummy hurt a lot or feel crampy. This can happen if a polyp is blocking part of your colon. If you keep having tummy pain and you do not know why, it is best to ask a doctor.

4. Feeling Tired and Weak From Low Iron

Low iron in your body can happen if you are bleeding inside, even if you do not see the blood. This can make you feel very tired, weak, dizzy, or pale. If you feel like this, your doctor might do a test to check your iron levels.

5. Losing Weight Without Trying

If you are losing weight without trying to, it might mean you have colon polyps. Sometimes polyps can block the colon and make it hard for your body to get the food it needs. If this is happening to you, talk to your doctor.

6. Feeling Very Tired and Weak

If you feel very tired or weak all the time, it could mean you are losing blood inside your body because of polyps. Low blood can make you feel tired. If this happens to you, tell your doctor.

7. Feeling Like You Didn’t Finish Going to the Bathroom

If you feel like you did not finish pooping and that your belly still feels full, it could mean a polyp is blocking your stool. If this feeling does not go away, talk to a doctor.

8. Mucus in Your Poop

Seeing mucus in your poop can also be a sign of colon polyps. Mucus is a slimy substance, and if you see a lot of it in your poop, tell your doctor. It might mean there is a problem inside your colon.

What to Do If You Notice These Symptoms

If you notice any of these signs, it is very important to talk to a doctor. The doctor can do tests like a colonoscopy to see if you have polyps. If they find any, they can take them out.

If you are over 50 years old or if someone in your family had colon polyps or colon cancer, getting regular check-ups is very important. Doctors recommend having a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50 to catch polyps early. Polyps can sometimes grow without causing any signs, so seeing a doctor for check-ups can help catch them early.

FAQs About Colon Polyps

1. What Are Colon Polyps and Are They Dangerous?

Colon polyps are little bumps that grow inside your colon or rectum. Most of them are not harmful, but some can turn into cancer if they stay there too long. Finding them early can help prevent serious health issues.

2. How Are Colon Polyps Found?

Doctors use special tools to look inside your colon to find polyps. They might use something called a colonoscopy. If they find any polyps, they can take them out and check if they are safe.

3. Can You Stop Colon Polyps from Growing?

You cannot always stop polyps from growing but eating healthy foods, exercising, not smoking, and not drinking too much alcohol can help keep you healthy. Regular doctor check-ups are also very helpful.

The Takeaway

Colon polyps usually do not cause problems until they get bigger. If you know the signs—like blood in your poop, changes in how you poop, tummy pain, tiredness, and losing weight—you can find and treat polyps early.

If you have any of these signs, tell a doctor. Finding polyps early is the best way to stay safe and stop them from becoming cancer.