Question 1

would bowel cancer alter blood tests? abdo pain, rectal bleeding and back ache for 12 mnths. dr won't refer for colonoscopy as i'm 27 + blood test ok

Accepted Answer

See different doctor: Rectal bleeding warrants investigation. It is unlikely that you have colon cancer and colonoscopy is probably not required, however, you still need to be evaluated for the cause of rectal bleeding. It may be hemorrhoids, even that needs to be treated. If your current doctor is providing satisfactory care, it is reasonable to see another doctor.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

Question 2

would blood tests give any indication that you have cancer in the body? bowel cancer especially?

Accepted Answer

Colon Cancer: CEA is blood test associated w/colon Ca. However, not a good screening test - significant false +, can be high with benign conditions &amp; in early Colon Ca CEA may not be elevated. Current gold standard for Colon Ca screening is colonoscopy. 2 other alternatives- virtual colonoscopy (CT) &amp; a new stool DNA  test  just recently approved by FDA.  Screen age 50, 40 if + family history Colon Ca or polyps

Question 3

are occult blood tests for colon cancer reliable?

Accepted Answer

Not really: The sensitivity of occult blood test is very low -about 20-25% if it is done only once. If it is done in 3 separate occasions- the sensitivity of the test to check for GI bleeding will be higher up to 90%. However, the test's accuracy for colon cancer is not high as GI bleeding can be caused by so many things-hemorrhoids, avm, gastric ulcer etc. Colonsocopy needs to be done if occult blood is +.

Question 4

are occult blood tests for colon cancer effective?

Accepted Answer

Not optimal: Occult blood in stool (fobt) are helpful in detecting colon cancer and their use improves outcomes.  However, fobt by itself is not a treatment therefore it is not possible to comment on its effectiveness.  Colonoscopy is a much better screening test.

Question 5

what are the blood tests after being diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Establishes baseline: You will almost certainly have normal liver functions, blood counts, and CEA at present, but these will be monitored into the future.  Any change can be an early sign of cancer recurrence, so continue to get checkups!  I have had many patients who neglected their cancer follow up and died as a result.

Question 6

can chemo for colon cancer lead to painful urination (blood tests ruled out uti)?  and advice to treat the pain?

Accepted Answer

Best is : To discuss with your oncologist regarding any known side effects of the chemo drugs being used. Pain could be related to your prior colon surgery also so a meeting with the surgeon would be reasonable as well. With no more information it is difficult to give you any more detailed answer.

Question 7

can a blood test reveal bowel cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes/No: Blood tests may show a problem; however blood tests cannot diagnose bowel (eg colon) cancer.
Low hemoglobin (anemia) may indicate bowel blood loss, but is not specific.
Additionally, colon ca has a tumor marker CEA that is useful after a diagnosis is made, but cannot diagnose by itself.

Question 8

worried i might have colon cancer due to change of bowel habbit. my habbit return to normal for a few weeks then go of cycle then return back to normal. never a persistent change. been diagnosed with ibs after full blood test came back clear ?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely cancer: at the age of 30, colon cancer is extremely rare. The patient population in which cancer could be possible is typically those with a VERY strong family history of colon cancer, those with inflammatory bowel diseases (Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc).  Cancer typically causes what we call "constitutional symptoms" which include but are not limited to night sweats, fevers, weight loss.

Question 9

what causes hemoglobin and hematocrit to be low but mcv levels, iron, and ferritin levels are normal. been having this problem for 8mths no blood in stool. guaiac test was normal. bowel changes mostly soft stool w/ mucus. could this be colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

: Chronic normochromic, normocytic anemia with normal iron parameters,normal Vit B12 levels and normal serum electrophoresis to rule out multiple myeloma can be caused by chronic inflammation. If you or your physician are still concerned, consult a hematologist for evaluation and advice.

Question 10

i saw blood on toilet paper after bm no pain my grandfather had bowel cancer in his late 80s should i worry im in my early 30s?

Accepted Answer

: At yor age the more common causes are ano-rectal like piles, fissure etc. If it does not stop have your Md check you. Chances of Ca are remote.

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Doctor answers about:

Bowel cancer blood tests

A member asked:

Would bowel cancer alter blood tests? abdo pain, rectal bleeding and back ache for 12 mnths. dr won't refer for colonoscopy as i'm 27 + blood test ok

A member asked:

Would blood tests give any indication that you have cancer in the body? bowel cancer especially?

A member asked:

Are occult blood tests for colon cancer reliable?

A member asked:

Are occult blood tests for colon cancer effective?

A member asked:

What are the blood tests after being diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer?

A member asked:

Can chemo for colon cancer lead to painful urination (blood tests ruled out uti)? and advice to treat the pain?

A member asked:

Can a blood test reveal bowel cancer?

A member asked:

Worried i might have colon cancer due to change of bowel habbit. my habbit return to normal for a few weeks then go of cycle then return back to normal. never a persistent change. been diagnosed with ibs after full blood test came back clear ?

A member asked:

What causes hemoglobin and hematocrit to be low but mcv levels, iron, and ferritin levels are normal. been having this problem for 8mths no blood in stool. guaiac test was normal. bowel changes mostly soft stool w/ mucus. could this be colon cancer?

A member asked:

I saw blood on toilet paper after bm no pain my grandfather had bowel cancer in his late 80s should i worry im in my early 30s?

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