Syndromes

If you or someone in your family has been told you may have a polyposis condition, you are not alone. We know it can feel overwhelming to face something rare and unfamiliar.

This website is here to give you clear, friendly information about polyposis syndromes, what they mean for your health, and the support available to you. Our aim is to help you feel informed, reassured, and ready to take the next steps with confidence.

UNDERSTANDING POLYPOSIS

Polyposis is the name for a group of rare conditions where people develop more than the usual number of polyps in their digestive system, often in the bowel or stomach.

Polyps are little growths that form on the lining of the bowel. Many polyps are harmless, but some can turn into cancer if they are not removed. People with a polyposis syndrome may develop lots of polyps, so it is important to keep a close eye on them with regular check-ups and treatment.

Although these conditions can sound worrying, there is lots that can be done to reduce risks and to support you and your family. This website has been created to give clear, reliable information and to help you feel more in control of your health.

TYPES OF POLYPOSIS SYNDROMES

Finding Out More
Each condition has its own page on this website, where you will find:

What it means for you and your family

What symptoms to look out for

How it is diagnosed

The options for treatment and ongoing care

Sources of support and further information

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

With regular monitoring and treatment, bowel cancer can usually be prevented.
People with FAP often develop many polyps in the bowel, sometimes hundreds or more, usually starting in teenage years.
If left untreated, FAP almost always leads to bowel cancer.

Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS)

JPS causes multiple “juvenile” polyps (this name describes how they look under a microscope, not the age they appear).
Polyps may cause bleeding, anaemia, or tummy problems.
People with JPS have a higher risk of bowel and stomach cancer, so regular checks are very important.

MAP happens when someone inherits changes in a gene called MUTYH from both parents.
People with MAP usually get multiple polyps, often fewer than in FAP.
Without monitoring, the risk of bowel cancer is higher — but with the right care, this risk can be managed.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS)

PJS causes polyps in the bowel and stomach.
Many people with PJS also have small dark freckles on their lips, mouth, or fingers.
People with PJS have a higher risk of several types of cancer, so regular checks and support are essential.

SPS is when someone develops lots of serrated polyps in the bowel.
The exact cause is not always known.
SPS increases the risk of bowel cancer, but regular monitoring and treatment can help keep you safe.