5 precancerous conditions and what you can do about them

You may already know that some types of colon polyps can develop into colorectal cancer. Or, that cervical dysplasia can sometimes lead to cervical cancer.

But did you also know that conditions called MGUS and smoldering myeloma can turn into multiple myeloma? Or, that myelofibrosis and myelodysplastic syndrome can eventually become acute myeloid leukemia?

Here’s what to know about these precancerous conditions and how to handle them.

Take advantage of existing cancer screenings

Cancer is generally easiest to treat when it’s caught early. So, it’s important to stay up to date on your preventive screening exams. Be sure to follow the recommended guidelines for how often you should get them, too, as some of these exams, like the Pap test for cervical cancer and the colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, can also detect precancerous conditions.

Screening recommendations can vary by age, but for people with a cervix, that means getting a Pap test once every three years, starting at age 21, or an HPV test every five years, starting at age 25. Starting at age 30, you can get a combination test every five years. And, starting at age 45, everyone at average risk for colorectal cancer should get a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years.

“We don’t know what a colon polyp actually is until we remove it and send it to a pathologist for biopsy,” says breast cancer specialist Therese Bevers M.D., who also serves as director of MD Anderson’s Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center. “But if it turns out to be precancerous, we may have just spared you from a future colon cancer diagnosis.”

Similarly, Bevers notes, not all cases of cervical dysplasia will become cervical cancer. “But some will,” she says. “And, if we know it’s there, we can possibly prevent a cervical cancer diagnosis later on.”

Don’t skip your annual physicals

Unlike cervical and colorectal cancers, no definitive screening test exists right now for blood or bone marrow disorders such as multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia — or their precursors. But these conditions can often be detected through bloodwork done during a physical or before an unrelated surgical procedure.

“MGUS is often found by chance because it doesn’t usually cause symptoms,” notes myeloma specialist Sheeba Thomas, M.D. “So, maybe you’re getting a workup for osteoporosis or to have a hip replacement surgery. Then, your doctor notices anemia or abnormal protein levels in your blood tests, and that prompts further evaluation.”

This means your best chance of detecting one of these conditions early is by having your blood analyzed regularly. Normally, that’s done as part of an annual physical. So, don’t skip yours or keep putting it off.

Follow your doctor’s advice for next steps

Some people can live with MGUS, smoldering myeloma and other cancer precursors for years without experiencing any real problems. But once you know you have a precancerous condition, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice as to how to handle it. That could mean anything from having more frequent Pap tests or colonoscopies to taking medicine to keep the condition from advancing.

“Most people with myelodysplastic syndrome will see it progress to leukemia at some point if they live long enough,” says leukemia specialist Farhad Ravandi, M.D. “So, our focus is on delaying that progression for as long as possible.”

“Some people who are diagnosed with MGUS will never see it progress and will end up dying of something else,” adds Thomas. “The longer you live with MGUS or smoldering myeloma without progression, the more likely it is that you will continue to do so.”

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.