Understanding Colon Polyps & Colorectal Cancer
Colon polyps are abnormal tissue growths that develop on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are harmless, certain types — particularly adenomatous polyps (adenomas) — can develop into colorectal cancer over time through a process that typically takes 10-15 years. This slow progression makes colorectal cancer one of the most preventable cancers when detected early through screening.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. However, incidence and mortality rates have been declining steadily thanks to widespread screening colonoscopy, which allows doctors to find and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancerous.
At Dr. Jing Tong Gastroenterology in Flushing, NY, we are dedicated to colorectal cancer prevention through high-quality screening colonoscopy. Dr. Tong's licensure in therapeutic endoscopy makes him uniquely qualified to detect and safely remove polyps during the same procedure, providing both screening and prevention in one visit.
Risk Factors & Warning Signs
Age 45 or Older
Family History
Blood in Stool
Changed Bowel Habits
Unexplained Weight Loss
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Screening & Treatment
Screening Colonoscopy
The American Cancer Society recommends colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk individuals. Colonoscopy is the gold standard, allowing direct visualization of the entire colon and immediate polyp removal during the same procedure. Dr. Tong performs high-quality colonoscopies with excellent adenoma detection rates.
Polypectomy (Polyp Removal)
When polyps are found, Dr. Tong removes them during colonoscopy using advanced techniques including cold snare polypectomy, hot snare polypectomy, and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for larger lesions. His therapeutic endoscopy license enables safe removal of complex polyps that might otherwise require surgery.
Surveillance & Follow-Up
After polyp removal, Dr. Tong determines the appropriate surveillance colonoscopy interval based on polyp number, size, type, and histology. This typically ranges from 1-10 years. Proper surveillance is critical for preventing cancer in patients with a history of polyps.
Cancer Coordination
If colorectal cancer is detected, Dr. Tong works closely with oncologists and surgeons to coordinate comprehensive treatment including staging evaluation, surgical planning, and follow-up surveillance.
Why Choose Dr. Jing Tong?
Johns Hopkins Trained
Elite training in colorectal cancer screening and polyp detection from a top-ranked institution.
Therapeutic Endoscopy License
One of few US specialists licensed for advanced polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection.
Multilingual Care
Discuss screening options and results in Mandarin, Shanghainese, or English.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I get my first colonoscopy?
The American Cancer Society recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for average-risk individuals. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need to begin screening earlier — typically at age 40 or 10 years before the age your relative was diagnosed, whichever is earlier.
Are all colon polyps cancerous?
No. Most colon polyps are benign. However, adenomatous polyps (adenomas) have the potential to develop into cancer over time. Hyperplastic polyps are generally not precancerous. All polyps found during colonoscopy are removed and sent for pathological analysis to determine their type and risk level.
Is colonoscopy painful?
Colonoscopy is performed under sedation, so most patients experience no pain and have no memory of the procedure. You will be comfortable throughout. The preparation (bowel cleansing) the day before is often considered the most unpleasant part, but is essential for a thorough examination.
How often do I need a colonoscopy?
For average-risk individuals with a normal colonoscopy, the recommended interval is every 10 years. If polyps are found, the interval may be 1-5 years depending on polyp characteristics. Higher-risk patients need more frequent surveillance. Dr. Tong provides personalized recommendations based on your results.
Can colorectal cancer be prevented?
Yes, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Regular screening colonoscopy with polyp removal is the most effective prevention strategy. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, high-fiber diet, limiting red and processed meats, avoiding excessive alcohol, and not smoking all reduce your risk.
Related Services
Schedule Your Screening Colonoscopy
Prevention starts with screening. Don't wait — book your colonoscopy at our Flushing office today.