I'm in my mid-50's and my mother died of colon cancer at age 73. My doctor has never indicated that it is necessary for me to have testing done besides the "strip" of paper test. I remember the doctors saying if my mother had done the testing earlier she could have survived. Do doctor's wait for patients to say they want one or are there symptoms they go by?
Cancer - 7 Answers
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1 :
I'm not really sure, but some American books I have read recommend a colonoscopy for healthy persons every 2 years. My friend is 21 and recently had surgery and chemotherapy to treat colon cancer, he and his -parents now have to have a colonoscopy every year to make sure they dont get it. I think that pushing your doctor for a colonoscopy would be a good idea. After all, colonoscopies are generally painless and the best way of detecting any signs of cancer. They can also remove polyps etc. I think it would be very worthwhile consulting your doctor about this. Good luck!
2 :
Colon cancer symptoms sometimes do not appear until the disease has progressed into an advanced stage. Bleeding - Blood in Stool: This is the most commonly experienced colon cancer symptom. As a tumor grows larger, the passage of feces can cause the tumor to bleed. it is common to see blood if the tumor is near the anus, but it is much more common for the blood to be hidden inside the stools. Weight Loss: An unexpected weight loss accompanied by other symptoms can indicate colon cancer. The pain and discomfort caused by a tumor can lead to loss of appetite, which in turn results in weight loss. Changes in Bowel Habits: If you are consistently constipated or have diarrhea, this must be evaluated by a physician. Changes in bowel habits also include gas and producing thinner stools. Thinner stools are usually the result of a tumor obstructing the passage of feces. This is one of the more common colon cancer symptoms. Abdominal Discomfort: Abdominal discomfort can mean many things - bloating, swelling, cramping and feeling full. Abdominal Pain: Swelling and pain of the abdomen are also symptoms of colon cancer. This usually occurs when the intestine is blocked by a tumor. If the tumor grows large, then nausea and vomiting can occur. Fatigue: Fatigue is a symptom of many cancers. It can also be a symptom of many other conditions that aren't cancer related. Fatigue experienced with cancer can be mild or severe. Talking to Your Doctor: Many people feel shy to talk about bowel habits with their doctor, especially women. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, I can't stress how important it is to talk to your doctor! Better to be safe than sorry!
3 :
My mom had colon cancer at 76. She had a tumour that was malignant. An operation was performed and the tumour was removed and biopsies showed no more signs of cancer. I requested that I have a Colonoscopy at the age of 54 due to cancers being on 2 generations of my family, and yet I have no ill symptoms. I have an appointment for a Colonoscopy next month. Colon Cancer symptoms one can have is bleeding from the rectum or severe pains. My mom never had any symptoms at all - it was accidentally found through ultrasound. Then a Coloscopy confirmed that it was 98% cancerous by the Specialist before biopsies were done. In most cases, doctors will not suggest that you have a Colonoscopy done. You have to request it based on your concerns.
4 :
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5 :
Best way to beat colon cancer is to prevent it. Strip of paper test is ok (they actually check for blood in yout shit, as that can be a sign of cancer) but the best thing is to get a colonoscopy done. It is generally recommened at age 50and then every 10 yrs
6 :
Actually, there are prevention guidelines for individuals with a family history, they are recommended by like American Cancer Society http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/health/colorectal_cancer_prevention.html
7 :
The link has info on family history, best test (colonoscopy), symptoms, and other info. Early stages usually have no symptoms. Waiting to detect blood could be waiting too long -- colo-rectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths. Don't wait. Insist on a colonoscopy by an experienced doctor. Good luck to you.
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