Some people may inherit a tendency for growing polyps. It’s important to ask your close family members about any history of colon or rectal cancer and/or pre-cancerous polyps.

Studies suggest first-degree biological relatives of patients with advanced adenomas and/or advanced serrated polyps face increased risk for colorectal cancer, and they need to discuss starting screening at a younger age and screening more frequently.

Additionally, people with Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) face a high risk for developing polyps.