Am i overreacting? i am 19, female. family history of colon cancer and i am afraid i am showing symptoms. musty stool, tight stomach, short pains etc.

Get some answers.: My questions: at what age have family members had colon cancer? How many relatives are we talking about. If you have a condition called "familial polyposis, " you may already have spoken with a gastroenterologist. If there's a history of colon cancer in anyone in their 30's, it might be reasonable to have a colonoscopy. The point is, why worry? Go see your doctor; get a referral to a GI specialist.

Probably: 0.1% of colon cancer is diagnosed before the age of 20 (1 in 1000 cases). Most cases have no symptoms until advanced. Classic warning signs include: worsening constipation, blood in the stool, weight loss, fever, loss of appetite. Unless 2 or more parents or siblings have had colon cancer you are probably not at elevated risk. If you're still concerned, get seen by your physician.

Don't panic: Unless you have a family history where two first degree relatives had colon cancer or some one in your family had colon polyps starting at age 10 you don't have to panic. Colon cancer at 19 y/ o is extremly rare.

I think you're fine: The typical signs of colon cancer are a change in bowel habits and/or stool caliber. Blood in the stool and/or anemia may also be present. The good news for you is that it is rare to see this before age 40. Tight stomach and short (perhaps you mean fleeting?) pains are not typical. That said, a visit with your physician to look into your symptoms would be wise.