Coventry, CT
A 24-year-old male asked:
Increased bowel movmnts, gas.oval shaped stool no blood.aches radiate between lower/upper left abd. can also be felt on left side. dull but annoying. started week ago.colon cancer makes me nervous read there is a huge increase my age. very stressed?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 35 years experience
What huge increase?: Haven't heard of any huge increase in colon cancer in people in their early to mid-20's. Probably 0.5-1.0% of all the colon cancers in the country are in people aged 20-25 years. Overall, psychological stress surely causes much more health damage than those rare colon cancer cases added together. Do keep exercising, get 3 servings of dairy and eat less than 3 oz red meat a day, never smoke, etc...
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
344 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Susan Rhoadsanswered
Family Medicine 40 years experience
Other causes likely: If you have had abdominal pain for a week, it is time to get checked. Cancer is far less likely than several other things. I have seen strep present only as vague nagging abdominal pain! Also stop any new supplements or over the counter meds. Sucralose and stevia (but not aspartame or saccharin) can cause abdominal discomfort too. So see a doc and get checked out.: causes likelier than CA.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
344 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 28, 2021
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