However it must be stressed that most polyps are harmless or benign growths that are found in the colon. At the same time some of them might grow into cancer and hence the President had his polyps removed during the colon cancer screen performed yesterday at Camp David.

According to the National Institutes of Health, anyone has the chance of getting polys, but these growths are more prevalent if
    * You're over 50.
    * You've had polyps before.
    * There is a family history of polyps
    * If someone in the family has had colon cancer.

In Mr Bush's case the first two factors hold true. He has had colon polyps before when he was the governor of Texas during 1998 and 1999, but none were evident during his last colonoscopy, which was performed in 2002. The earlier polyps were of an adenomatous nature, meaning they had grown from glandular tissue. Such polyps are worrisome and reappear periodically and hence cancer screening is routinely recommended after the age of 50.

Doctors from the National Naval Medical Center performed Mr Bush's colonoscopy yesterday at around 7:20 am. During his procedure Vice President Dick Cheney assumed powers under the 25th Amendment. Bush reassumed his powers at 9:25 am.

According to the National Institutes of Health a colonoscopy "is most often used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and weight loss."

Colonoscopy can remove polyps smaller than one millimeter in diameter. These polyps are then examined microscopically to check for signs of cancer if any.

Prior to beginning colonoscopy, it is vital that the doctor is aware of any medical condition or medications being taken by the patient. According to the NIH, these include:
    * Aspirin
    * Arthritis medications
    * Blood thinners
    * Diabetes medication
    * Vitamins that contain iron

President Bush's polyps were deemed harmless at first sight, but Scott M. Stanzel, a White House spokesman, said that the microscopic results will be known only after 48 to 72 hours.

Following are some questions and answers on who should get tested for colon polyps from the National Institutes of Health.

Who should get tested for polyps?
Talk to your doctor about getting tested for polyps if

    * you have symptoms
    * you're 50 years old or older
    * someone in your family has had polyps or colon cancer

How can I prevent polyps?
Doctors don't know of any one sure way to prevent polyps. But you might be able to lower your risk of getting them if you

    * eat more fruits and vegetables and less fatty food
    * don't smoke
    * avoid alcohol
    * exercise every day
    * lose weight if you're overweight

Eating more calcium and folate can also lower your risk of getting polyps. Some foods that are rich in calcium are milk, cheese, and broccoli. Some foods that are rich in folate are chickpeas, kidney beans, and spinach.

For more information, please visit, http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonpolyps_ez/index.htm