No, not necessarily. However, colorectal cancer usually begins as polyps. Your doctor will remove the polyps and test the tissue for signs of disease. Polyps are often a sign that something is wrong, but most are not cancerous. Colorectal cancer can occur without polyps, but it is sporadic. If you have a family history of colon cancer, talk to your medical provider. He or she may perform tests more often to ensure that you aren’t at risk.

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