I'm a healthy 42 year old who recently has been having rectal bleeding (3-4 days every 2-3 months) my doctor has ordered a colonoscopy in a few days. I had had blood work done about a week ago. My question is...If I had colon cancer, wouldn't the blood work show something abnormal in my red blood cells, white blood cells ect?.. because everything came out normal.
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Your red count would be low if you were loosing a lot of blood. There are other blood tests for cancer, but the colonoscopy will give a definitive answer. Just wait for the results.
2 :
Yes. The doctor wants to do the colonoscopy because it's an expensive procedure. I believe this and endoscopy is done entirely too much. I have seen on here that even kids are given this procedure. This procedure is for old people! This is why insurance is so expensive. Procedures are ordered that are not necessary. Also, a colonoscopy in a very humiliating and embarrassing procedure. I personally will never agree to this procedure.
3 :
I can't believe what I have read from J above me.I had symptoms similar to yours and reluctantly submitted to a colonoscopy.I was 49.When I woke from it there were several doctors standing around discussing the photos they had taken of the tumor growing in my rectum.The next couple years were filled with long days of regret for not going in sooner.I'll spare the details but it was barely worth living through.To answer your question,no,a blood test will not show anything until it's out of hand and severe.You are doing the right thing and the odds are on your side.
4 :
I have known younger people who had the test and discovered it was nothing more hemorrhoids; but, I have known several your age or younger that were diagnosed with colon cancer or other massive amounts of polyps. The only way you know is to get the test. Unfortunately, there are some people who are afraid to have anyone anyone touch their butt much less put something in their butt. I knew one guy who was convinced that have a colonoscopy would make him gay. There are numerous cases of individuals like this literally scaring themselves to death because they would not get tested and the cancer was not caught early enough. Most likely it's nothing; but, if it is something (even as simple as a precancerous polyp) it could save you life. Get the test done and ignore those who would rather die a painful death than get checked.
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