How long does colon cancer take to grow?

Varies. ~10yrs: In general, we think about 10 years. Hence the "standard" colon screening recommendation (by colonoscopy) of every 10 years if the colon is well prepped and without pre-cancerous polyps. Colon cancer can grow faster especially in some familial syndromes. Individuals with polyps may and likely do need more frequent followup. Recs individualized by the GI physician.

Years: Colon cancers generally start as colon polyps and it takes several years for a polyp to become cancer. This is true most of the time, but not always.