What Does “Precancer” Really Mean?

Getting a “precancerous” diagnosis can sound alarming.  It is easy to assume that precancer is simply the first step toward cancer, but that is not always the case. Many precancerous conditions will never turn into cancer. 

Still, it is important to understand what these conditions mean and how to stay on top of them. Below, we break down some of the most common questions about precancerous conditions—and what you can do if you have one.  

What are precancerous conditions? 

A precancerous cell has certain abnormalities in how it looks or grows, increasing its chances of becoming cancerous. A clump of these abnormal cells is described as a precancerous condition.  

Precancerous cells and conditions are not cancer – and often don’t require immediate treatment of any kind. However, they can still be serious and eventually develop into cancer, making it important for doctors to monitor, and if needed, remove them.  

What are the different kinds of precancerous conditions? 

Precancerous conditions can occur anywhere in the body, including the skin, breast, cervix, and colon. These are changes in cells or tissues that are not cancer yet but could become cancer over time if left untreated.  

For example, cervical dysplasia involves abnormal cells in the cervix that have an increased chance of developing into cervical cancer. In a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, precancerous cells found in the esophagus raise the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Other examples include colon polyps that may progress into colon cancer, a blood condition called MGUS can develop into multiple myeloma, ctinic keratosis that can turn into skin cancer, and atypical lobular hyperplasia may increase the chance of developing breast cancer.  

Each of these conditions carries a different risk of progressing into cancer and requires monitoring and care.  

What causes precancerous conditions? 

Precancerous conditions often start with DNA damage in cells. This damage can be caused by chronic inflammation, exposure to harmful substances like tobacco, UV rays, or certain viruses (such as HPV), or inherited genetic mutations. Over time, these changes can build up, increasing the chances that abnormal cells may eventually turn into cancer. 

Will precancerous conditions always turn into cancer? 

No. Not all precancerous conditions will become cancer. Whether they do depends on several factors—including the type and severity of the abnormality, as well as personal risk factors like family history, lifestyle, and overall health. 

For example, high-grade cervical dysplasia is more likely to become cancerous than low-grade. Chronic irritation and inflammation, such as repeated acid reflux in Barrett’s esophagus, also increase the risk of malignant transformation.  

Lifestyle and environmental factors matter too. UV exposure without sun protection increases the risk of actinic keratosis becoming skin cancer, tobacco and alcohol use increase the likelihood of leukoplakia, abnormal white batches inside the mouth, turning into oral cancer, and obesity and poor diet can influence the progression of conditions like colon polyps.  

Certain genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome or mutations in the BRCA genes can also increase risk for several cancer types, even without other risk factors. 

Can you prevent precancerous conditions?  

The key to managing precancerous conditions is catching them early – given that most develop at the cellular level.   

Regular screenings are the main way precancerous conditions are found and monitored. A pap smear can detect cervical dysplasia long before it develops into cervical cancer. A colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer by finding and removing precancerous polyps before they can cause harm. Yearly skin checks help dermatologists identify actinic keratosis early, when treatment is simple and effective.  

Primary care providers and dentists also play a role in detection. Conditions like leukoplakia, actinic keratosis (skin) or cheilitis (lips), and blood abnormalities that suggest MGUS are often first noticed during routine visits. 

The best way to be proactive is keeping up with regular checkups and acting on anything unusual—especially if you have known risk factors or a family history of cancer. 

What should you do if you are diagnosed with a precancerous condition? 

Managing a precancerous diagnosis depends on the specific condition but ideally, the precancerous cells will be removed.  

Some precancerous conditions like MGUS and atypical lobular hyperplasia require close and regular monitoring through blood tests and imaging. Others, like colon polyps and actinic keratosis, can often be removed entirely if detected early.  

Lifestyle changes can also be a powerful tool in preventing progression. Quitting smoking and tobacco can significantly reduce the risk of oral cancers in those with leukoplakia. Using sunscreen daily can help prevent further damage if you have actinic keratosis. Managing reflux with diet and medication can slow or stop the progression of Barrett’s esophagus.  

For nearly every condition, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol can strengthen your immune system and support your overall health.  

Precancerous conditions are red flags, not red lights. By staying up to date with screenings like Pap smears, colonoscopies, skin exams, and oral checkups, they can be caught and acted on when they are most manageable and, in some cases, curable.