Being under 50 and getting colon cancer

REB

With so many of us getting colon cancer in the upper 30’s and early 40’s, shouldn’t they start doing colonoscopies between 35 and 40 instead of 50?

A colonoscopy at the right time could have saved many of us a lot of grief, but I was told not to worry about it until I am 50.

A PET scan ever couple of years would also be good.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor and Temporary Colostomy
Started Chemotherapy 11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil) and leucovorin, oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
Last Chemo treatment 04-09-08, Colostomy Reversal 04-28-08 Age:41

PrairiePrincess · Regular Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 10

I think that the current thinking is that unless you have a first order relative (parent/sib) with colon cancer, your chances, independent of lifestyle risk factors, are not increased for developing cancer yourself.

This condition has gotten a lot of press lately, and as the wave of boomers passes through their high risk years, there will be more cases as there is a larger population. But I am not sure that rates are increasing on a per person basis.

And my impression, from my sketchy readings, is that early onset colon cancers are practically in a subset of their own, with a reputation for unusual virulence that may not be altered greatly by early detection.

Here in Canada, you can pay for a private colonoscopy if you want one early and do not fit the risk profile for early testing, although I am betting if you went to your GP and explained that fear of undetected colon cancer was affecting your life, you would go on the list.

REB

I am adopted, so I do not know my medical history. I did have a genetic test and my cancer was not genetic, so being adopted really didn't matter in my case.

My doctor said I was in a 7% group. Under 50, healthy, with no genetic history. Just bad luck of the draw.

If the tumor had not blocked my colon, I probably would not have discovered it until it reached stage 4 (Which It was on the verge of becoming) so I am very fortunate.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor and Temporary Colostomy
Started Chemotherapy 11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil) and leucovorin, oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
Last Chemo treatment 04-09-08, Colostomy Reversal 04-28-08 Age:41

Goldie · Regular Joined: 24 Jul 2008 Posts: 10

I think its very important to offer screening for those under 50 as well.

I'm 21 and have just finished chemo for it, and in my case I was told several different things before being told its cancer. Main reason for that is that they think just because you are young, you don't get it, so in a way, doctors discriminate against the young.

mike3 · Regular Joined: 03 Jun 2008 Posts: 25

Even though I'm 47 my doctor did say most of the people are older. As time goes on I wouldn't be surprize if they change the age of screening.

cptmac · Experienced user Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 53

The screening age used to be 40, but hardly anyone had one and generally almost no one younger than 50 was diagnosed with colon cancer. I think, it's been a long time since I read the research, but since it hardly showed incidences of cancer, it was safer for people younger than 50 not to have one.

Generally younger people are on the web so you may hear of many younger people on hear with cc, but it is not the norm.

However, if a doctor suspects CC, than you will get a colonoscopy. Of course you can always pay for it out of pocket, which is what I initially did.

natania · New User Joined: 19 Oct 2008 Posts: 2

My grandpa died of colon cancer and my mom had to INSIST w/Kaiser to get her colonoscopy done because she was not the at the proper age.

REB

[quote="natania"]My grandpa died of colon cancer and my mom had to INSIST w/Kaiser to get her colonoscopy done because she was not the at the proper age.[/quote]

I have heard they will do a colonoscopy if you have a family history of it. They told me my kids need to have it done when they turned 30, since I got mine at 40.

Some insurance companies may fight you, but your doctor should be able to get them to cover it.
_________________
10/01/07 - Removal of Stage III Colon Cancer Tumor and Temporary Colostomy
Started Chemotherapy 11-07-07 - FOLFOX regimen - 5-FU (5 Flurouracil) and leucovorin, oxaliplatin. Also Avastin
Last Chemo treatment 04-09-08, Colostomy Reversal 04-28-08 Age:41

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