Having two common types of colon polyps at the same time may significantly increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to new research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Researchers analyzing more than 8,400 colonoscopies found that individuals with both adenomas and serrated polyps faced up to five times greater risk of advanced precancerous changes compared to those with only one type.
While polyps are often considered harmless, scientists say this combination may represent two separate cancer pathways occurring simultaneously. Nearly half of patients with serrated polyps were also found to have adenomas, suggesting this higher-risk pairing may be more common than previously believed.
The findings highlight the importance of early detection and consistent screening, especially as polyp risk increases with age. Researchers emphasize that regular colonoscopies remain a key tool for identifying and removing these growths early, before they progress into more serious disease.
SOURCE:
Science Daily, March 13, 2026