Colon polyps epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sadaf Sharfaei M.D.[2]

The exact incidence and prevalence of colon polyps are unknown. Colon polyps are incidentally found in colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies. However, the incidence of colon polyps is estimated to be 200,000 cases in the united states annually. The prevalence of colon polyps is between 10,000-25,000 in 100,000 screening studies. The incidence of colon polyps increases with age; the median age at diagnosis is 50 years. Colon polyps usually affect individuals of the African American race. Men are more commonly affected by colon polyps than women. Colon polyps is a common disease worldwide.

• The incidence of colon polyps is estimated to be 200,000 cases in the united states annually.
• The cumulative incidence of polyps in 3 years after normal flexible sigmoidoscopy is 7%.^[1]
• The cumulative incidence of polyps in 3 years after normal colonoscopy is 27%.^[1]

• The prevalence of colon polyps is 10,000 in 100,000 sigmoidoscopy studies.^[1]
• The prevalence of colon polyps is 25,000 in 100,000 colonoscopy studies.^[1]
• The prevalence of hyperplastic colon polyps in autopsy studies is between 7,000-40,000 in 100,000 in individuals younger than 50 years of age.^[2]
• The prevalence of hyperplastic colon polyps in autopsy studies is between 20,000-40,000 in individuals older than 50 years of age.^[2]

• The incidence of colon polyps increases with age; the median age at diagnosis is 50 years.
• Colon polyps commonly affects individuals older than 50 years of age.

• Colon polyps usually affect individuals of the African American race.^[3]

• Men are more commonly affected by colon polyps than women.^[3]

• Colon polyps is a common disease worldwide.

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