Colon Cancer

[Roughquest]

I ws sent my father's death certificate by my step mother the other week which she thought I should keep. I was somewhat upset and shocked to read that his cause of death was a) Carcinomatosis and b) adeno carcinoma sigmoid colon. He was just 55 years old when he died, I was 9. My worry now is I have heard that this is genetic and my chances of getting this are quite high. I am going to see my GP next week to ask if I can be sent for screening and further tests to put my mind at rest - will they put me forward for tests a.s.a.p. or can I insist they do this - I read that if a close blood relative had this disease I am at risk.

Thank you x

[Ethel]

Don't panic!

How old are you? I'm sure your doctor will be able to put your mind at rest but as you have no symptoms there will be no urgency.

Just because a disease can be genetic, it does not mean that you will definitely get it.

Put it out of your mind until you have seen your gp - take the death certificate with you.

Good luck!

[Scarlett]

Also there are lots of things you can do to minimise your risk of colon cancer- having a healthy diet and lifestyle is the most important, closely followed by minimising stress in your life. You can ask for an endoscopy once every 3 years, which isn't the most pleasant of things, but is the only way to search for and take samples of dodgy cells.

[mullein3]

i am adopted so i know where you are coming from..the thing is your father could have led a lifestyle that triggered his cancer...just try to eat healthy and take care of yourself and most important stop worrying as stress doesnt help..we are more aware of health issues and symptoms now and medical treatment is more advanced..my real grandmother died of cancer throat cancer because she allways smoked those ciggarettes which have no tips...i have inherited a rare blood disorder but it must have come from my fathers side as i am more like them..but i believe they are still alive and well..a friend of mine had cancer of the colon in his 40s and he had an operation and he is fine now and its been 8 years and he is still well and working...things have changed....the best thing to do is just look after number one "yourself " and dont worry about the past as you cant change it just make sure you have a healthy future...i am not sure about the doctor screening you unless you have symptoms..but you could allways ask if you are really concerned....take care..

[Roughquest]

I am 38....thanks for your calming words, I am fine and always have tried my best to maintain a healthy diet and exercise, I always eat lots of fruit & veg, not much meat (if only chicken and fish) and I only have wholemeal bread....so that should stand me in good stead....but I will let you know what my GP advises.....thanks again all ! RQ xxxx

[WendyS]

Scarlett & Mullein are correct and I don't think you should panic at all. If you don't smoke and eat a diet which is high fibre based you are certainly taking the most immediate steps to avoid colon cancer. I'm not medically qualified but I should think it was far more likely that your father's lifestyle (i.e. smoking) contributed to his cancer, although of course there's no guarantee of that. If you start to notice any changes in your bowel movements, experience lower stomach pain, or find blood when passing stools, then obviously you need to seek your GP but you sound as if you're doing all the right things healthwise.

[Cathyhuns]

Both my parents died from bowel cancer (different types) so I understand your concern. However it is only some forms of bowel cancer that have a genetic link so you can ask your GP whether the type your father had is that type. However, it is only an increased probability that you will get the cancer not definitely.

As Scarlett says, you can have an endoscopy exam which checks whether you have any of the polyps which CAN lead many years later to the type of cancer which is genetic. The test themselves aren't pleasant, although the stuff you have to take beforehand to make sure your bowel is empty is worse, but this is preferable to getting cancer.

At my first test they found a polyp, which was removed, which they said could have turned cancerous in 10 to 20 years time. A further test a year later showed that it had gone, so I feel relieved but also have tried to increase my fibre etc.

Good luck.