Question 1

family history colon cancer, last colo, 3 yrs ago, nothing, today, large polyp, lab test, maybe echo, french doctor, anything else, probabilities?

Accepted Answer

Polyp on colonoscopy: The answer to your question depends on the pathology report on the polyp.  Ask your doctor to discuss the pathology with you. Polyps can be everything from benign to precancerous to actual cancer. Then ask him his recommendations for followup.  It could be anything from active surveilance (repeat colonoscopy 3-5 years) to surgery.

Question 2

do young people (lower twenties) usually have a family history of colon cancers if they get diagnosed at that young of an age?

Accepted Answer

Colon cancer: It is very likely that there is a strong family history of colon cancer for the most however it can be isolated as well

Question 3

i have a family history of colon cancer. what should i look out for?

Accepted Answer

Stool change: At age 40 the possibility of hereditary polyposis leading to colon cancer is rare if you don't have any disease as of now.  Most colon malignancies are environmentally induced probably arising from the polyoma virus infecting the bowel mucosa. The other cause is related to long standing inflammatory  bowel disease.  You should have an initial colonoscopy to evaluate your bowel.

Question 4

how much does a family history of colon cancer increase my risk of getting it?

Accepted Answer

About 10%: A family history of colon cancer, especially in a close relative, increases the risk of cancer 10% above the general population. If the relative was diagnosed at a younger age (40's) then the risk is slightly higher.

Question 5

how likely is it that someone 22 years old with no immediate family history of colon cancer gets it?

Accepted Answer

Over what time span?: About 5% of men in the US will get colon cancer at some point in their life, but the vast majority of cases occur after age 50. Colon cancer is extremely rare, almost unheard of in a 22 yo, but the odds increase the older we get. However, there are many ways to prevent colon cancer such as avoiding red meat, eating more fruit &amp; vegies, vit. D, not smoking &amp; exercise. See http://tinyurl.com/ozhk7zu

Question 6

a lady i take care of had dirreah couple times the past week and all of this week she's had no bms. family history of colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Fiber laxative: You wish to try using fiber laxative like metamucil, with or without a laxative like dulcolax. Please make sure that she is well hydrated and ambulates if she is able to walk around. If constipation persists, you may need to administer enema to prevent fecal impaction. How old is the lady? When did she have colonoscopy, if ever?

Question 7

is it recommended to get a colonoscopy at age 43 if there is a  family history of colon cancer? what other tests are needed at this age?

Accepted Answer

Yes...get one done: The age depends on your family, history.  Screening mammography, a complete family history may add genetic testing. A complete physical.

Question 8

if i don't have a family history of colon cancer and i have bright red blood on bm, should i worry?

Accepted Answer

YES: Any change should be addressed by your doctor. Rectal bleeding can be many things ei: hemorrhoids or colitis. Of course rectal bleeding can also be a sign of cancer. The most important thing to know is that we are all at risk for colon cancer, that is why we do screening colonoscopies at age 50 in both men/women. Colon cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the us.

Question 9

is a virtual colonoscopy a good choice for a 35 yo healthy female who has a family history of colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not first choice : Colonoscopy is the first choice , as it is true visualization of colon, if any polyp present, biopsy could be done , even a very small lesions , other mucosal pathology could be seen. Relatively safe . V c is non invasive screening procedure, if abnormal still need colonoscopy.

Question 10

what does it mean to have a large friable polyp?  i have a family history of colon cancer and have to wait 2 weeks for the results.

Accepted Answer

A description: It is just a description by the gastroenterologoist (endoscopist) of how it looked to him/her.   It does not mean it is cancer.  You will to wait for the pathology report for a final diangosis as to what it exactly is.

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Doctor answers about:

Family history colon

A member asked:

Family history colon cancer, last colo, 3 yrs ago, nothing, today, large polyp, lab test, maybe echo, french doctor, anything else, probabilities?

A member asked:

Do young people (lower twenties) usually have a family history of colon cancers if they get diagnosed at that young of an age?

A member asked:

I have a family history of colon cancer. what should i look out for?

A member asked:

How much does a family history of colon cancer increase my risk of getting it?

A member asked:

How likely is it that someone 22 years old with no immediate family history of colon cancer gets it?

A member asked:

A lady i take care of had dirreah couple times the past week and all of this week she's had no bms. family history of colon cancer?

A member asked:

Is it recommended to get a colonoscopy at age 43 if there is a family history of colon cancer? what other tests are needed at this age?

A member asked:

If i don't have a family history of colon cancer and i have bright red blood on bm, should i worry?

A member asked:

Is a virtual colonoscopy a good choice for a 35 yo healthy female who has a family history of colon cancer?

A member asked:

What does it mean to have a large friable polyp? i have a family history of colon cancer and have to wait 2 weeks for the results.

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