Researchers have discovered that having two common types of bowel polyps at the same time may significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

The study was conducted by scientists from Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre. Their findings were published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

According to the researchers, people who develop both adenomas and clinically significant serrated polyps in the bowel may face a much greater cancer risk than those with only one type of polyp.

🔬 Colonoscopy Study Reveals Fivefold Increase in Risk

The research analysed more than 8,400 colonoscopy examinations to understand how different polyps affect cancer risk.

The results showed that patients who had both adenomas and serrated polyps simultaneously were up to five times more likely to develop advanced precancerous bowel changes.

These advanced changes, known as advanced colorectal neoplasia, can eventually lead to bowel cancer if they are not detected and treated.

However, individuals who had only one type of polyp showed a significantly lower risk of developing these dangerous changes.

🧠 Polyps Can Follow Different Cancer Pathways

Bowel cancer often begins with polyps—small growths that form on the lining of the colon or rectum.

Most polyps are harmless and may never cause problems. Nevertheless, certain types can gradually develop into cancer.

The study highlighted two important polyp types:

• Adenomas, which are commonly linked to traditional colorectal cancer pathways
• Serrated polyps, which may follow a different biological route toward cancer

Because these polyps can develop through separate mechanisms, having both types at the same time may increase the likelihood of cancer progression.

🏥 Findings Could Improve Screening and Monitoring

The researchers believe the findings could influence how doctors monitor patients after colonoscopy.

Currently, doctors often schedule follow-up screening based on the number and size of polyps found. However, the study suggests that patients with both types of polyps may require closer monitoring.

Early detection and removal of polyps remains one of the most effective ways to prevent bowel cancer.

Therefore, identifying patients with a higher risk profile could help doctors tailor screening programmes more effectively.

📊 Bowel Cancer Remains a Major Health Concern

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, remains one of the most common cancers worldwide.

In Australia, it ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related death and the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer.

Because many colorectal cancers begin as polyps, screening programmes play a crucial role in early detection.

Researchers say their findings add to growing evidence that different polyp types may represent separate pathways to cancer. Understanding these pathways could help doctors improve prevention strategies.