Early Diagnosis of Colon Cancer

ReallyRandom · New User Joined: 26 Jan 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Trenton

I've been reading a lot of the posts here and I felt I should really share my story and discuss one of the best preventive measures for colon cancer I've come across.

Last year I was having a really bad time with my stomach, and it was affecting my bowels. I looked around online and I started getting really scared I could have colon cancer or something else. I went to the doctor and told him my symptoms and he asked about rectal bleeding. I told him a few years back I had been addicted to pop corn, but it messed up my gums and made me bleed when I had a bowel movement. He said that was not normal and scheduled me for a endoscopy and colonoscopy.

When he went in, he discovered I had stomach ulcers and several polyps, which he removed. He said they were non-cancerous but it really worried me, so I did some research (which is what I do). Turns out, the symptoms for colon cancer only show up once its very advanced. The earliest way to detect there is something wrong with your colon is with a Fecal Occult(hidden) Blood test. If you have polyps or bleeding ulcers in your colon or stomach, they might not be bad enough to turn your stool dark, which is a sure sign of something wrong inside you.

If you are concerned, like I am, you can take a FOB test in your home, and you can buy it online. You get the results in 10 minutes and you don't have to worry about anything. If it is positive, you should go to your doctor immediately. In most cases, if you catch the problem early enough you can nip it in the bud like I did before it becomes cancerous. I still worry though, and I take the tests regularly. Check out Colon Health Check where I buy my tests. They have a lot more information on early detection and stuff. You can also check out about.com(That's the name of the site, not a link! That's what they're called) for more information.

We all have to be concerned about our health and understand what we can do ourselves to help our doctors treat us as thoroughly as possible. I was lucky, but I don't want to have to rely on luck ever again.

survivor09 · New User Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Boston, MA

ReallyRandom,

I totally agree. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While you and others on this forum may be aware of the colon cancer warning signs, that information just isn't enough for people at high risk.

If you're over age 50 or have a first degree relative, knowing the colon cancer warning signs and symptoms just isn't enough! You need to have regular screenings. Interestingly enough, I also just learned that people who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) like I do are also at an increased risk for colon cancer.

rmaureen · Moderator Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 237

I agree as well. A few weeks ago my oncologist told me women diagnosed with uterine cancer should be routinely screened for colon cancer. There is an increased risk of those diagnosed with uterine cancer developing lung or colon cancer (those diagnosed with uterine cancer should also have a yearly chest xray). I did take a fecal occult test once; nice to know you can get those online.

Rhonda
_________________
Diagnosed Sept. 2005
Stage III-C Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
Grade 2

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