Risk Factors Associated with Adenomas or Serrated Polyps in Patients who Underwent Screening Colonoscopy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Colorectal polyps, including adenomas and serrated adenomas, are recognized premalignant lesions.
• These lesions contribute significantly to colorectal cancer through distinct pathways.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential risk factors associated with colorectal adenomas and serrated adenomas.
• To analyze demographic and clinical characteristics linked to polyp development.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 1,499 individuals with positive fecal immunological tests undergoing colonoscopy were analyzed.
• Data collected included age, gender, smoking habits, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipaemia, and diverticulosis.
• Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed.

Main Results:

• Adenomas were detected in 35.5% and serrated polyps in 3.1% of subjects.
• Significant risk factors for adenomas included smoking (OR=1.6), diverticulosis (OR=1.5), male gender (OR=1.4), and age (OR=1.02).
• Smoking was the sole independent risk factor for serrated lesions (OR=2.3).

Conclusions:

• Adenomas are associated with male gender, age, smoking, and diverticula.
• Serrated polyps are independently associated with smoking.
• Smoking avoidance or cessation may play a role in preventing colon polyp development.