Concerned I need to be screened for colon cancer, but I’m too young

[Yasuke]

Title says it all, really.

I've been shrugging off a few symptoms for a couple of years now, and they've worsened recently. I finally brought them up to my doctor, but he seemed largely unconcerned, as I'm too young at 29 for it to be likely.

As I feel something is wrong with me, but don't know what, I don't believe I'll know peace until I've been checked and hopefully cleared, but the procedure's prohibitively expensive if you have to pay out of pocket (which I would, as I'm far below the screening age any insurer would acknowledge). There have been a few cases of it in my extended family, and as a black male, I know my odds of having the disease are exponentially higher than anyone else's.

Not really looking for advice, just wanted a safe place to talk about how fucking terrified I've been about this lately. Chadwick Boseman's death last fall was fucking brutal for me, in large part due to my growing anxiety about my own health issues. Maybe I just need a new doctor; mine's been unhelpful about prostate issues I've been having as well, which is something I kind of just deal with on my own at this point. It's been really difficult to not just succumb to depression-enabled fatalism and let whatever happens happen; I struggle with anxiety in general, so some days I can tell myself it's just all in my head, even when I'm staring at the proof of the symptoms that have refused to go away for two years now. But I've got a 10 year old to think about, so it's hard to keep putting this off.

I don't really know what to do.

 

[Vincent Alexander]

I'm only a few years older, and due to Boseman's death, decided to finally talk to my doctor about symptoms I've been dealing with for years. She scheduled a colonoscopy, and lo and behold, they found a mess of shit we weren't expecting up there. I was anxious as hell, but glad to have answers...mostly. It cost me about 2k when all was said and done, and I got myself on a payment plan with 0% interest.

 

[Nairume]

Definitely get a second opinion if you can for your peace of mind. I spent most the last half of 2020 with symptoms that felt like a constant heart attack. The specialist I was sent to insisted I was having GERD and put me on medication to control it for about four months despite an ultrasound suggesting it was galbladder related. I was sent to get a second opinion and the second doctor immediately said my gallbladder was failing and had it removed a week later.

 

[SoleSurvivor]

Please get screened. My sister in law has been battling it in her early 30s since 2019. She beat it last year and it's back again. Early screenings save lives. Please go.

 

[iareharSon]

I have to get checked as well. I have some symptoms that have worsened

 

[Captain Tuttle]

I'd definitely get a second opinion

 

[jml]

I've been shrugging off a few symptoms for a couple of years now, and they've worsened recently. I finally brought them up to my doctor, but he seemed largely unconcerned, as I'm too young at 29 for it to be likely.

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It's kinda ridiculous for you to be waved off like this because while it might not be colon cancer it could be IBD (which has similar symptoms) and that's something that people often get diagnosed with when they're young. I'd definitely try to see a new gastroenterologist. If your symptoms are as serious as you say they are then it shouldn't be too difficult to find a doctor who will want to run some tests.

 

[Jombie]

A colonoscopy should have been ordered due to your family history, alone.

 

[mjc]

If you even have an inkling of a thought that something is off, get it checked out ASAP. Seriously. Do not put it off for months or years more because you're either ashamed or think it's not terrible enough. You know your body.

 

[Zyrokai]

What even are symptoms for this? Now you've got me wondering about some things. I don't think I'm having any issues but I also don't know what to look for.

OP, definitely get a second opinion.

 

[Yams]

it's better to get screened and get the colonoscopy done now than wait. Listen to your body.

My father died of colon cancer in 2019 and my doctor ordered a screening for me right after. The procedure isn't anything. The worst part is the shit that cleans you out but it's not that bad.

my father didn't do the screening and found out he had cancer too late. His older brother did the screening in his 50s, found out he had growths that could turn into cancer, took care of his problem, and he's about to turn 87. Gets checked every 5 years.

Be like my uncle and be safe.

 

[StreetsAhead]

What even are symptoms for this? Now you've got me wondering about some things. I don't think I'm having any issues but I also don't know what to look for.

OP, definitely get a second opinion.

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The biggest one is blood in your stool.

My mom had it and one of her signs was painful cramps and stomach aches.

 

[Malleymal]

What are the symptoms that you all are speaking of? I need to go get checked myself.

 

[Temascos]

I want to get checked in a "just in case" sort of way, along with getting screenings for testicular and heart health. I'm generally fine and cancer doesn't have too strong a history in my family on either my mother or father's side, but it would give me peace of mind.

Problem is the NHS is so hesitant in these "just in case" things, and I'm too self-conscious to lie.

 

[Tavernade]

Boseman's death terrified me too, since I was already at high risk and saw someone I assumed was way more in shape than I was and had the best care possible succumb to it.

The one nice thing is that the procedure is SUPER easy. Drinking the stuff to clean you out sucks but then they put you on the happy night night gas and you take a nap and it's all done.

I'm only a few years older, and due to Boseman's death, decided to finally talk to my doctor about symptoms I've been dealing with for years. She scheduled a colonoscopy, and lo and behold, they found a mess of shit we weren't expecting up there. I was anxious as hell, but glad to have answers...mostly. It cost me about 2k when all was said and done, and I got myself on a payment plan with 0% interest.

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That was about as expensive as mine was.

Depending on the symptoms it could be a bunch of different things but they're all things worth knowing about.

 

[J_ToSaveTheDay]

Had blood in my stool in April and got my colonscopy done last month, at age 34.

They did find a polyp and removed it, but it was non-cancerous. They don't think it caused the blood, but nothing else in there really explaining it -- I've since gotten better, but not back to 100%, or rather, back to the same ease of pooping as when I was younger. No more blood since my ER visit, though! They think I may have had hemorrhoids that came and went in the month and a half it took between my ER visit and colonoscopy. EDIT: To be clear, removal of the polyp has helped a noticeable amount but they don't think the polyp alone was to attribute for the bleeding.

I'm on 5-year screenings now, due to the presence of that polyp. It was quick and completely painless so I don't mind.

It's worth looking into. I was also very scared I had developed early colon cancer... but my mind is much more at ease since going to get the colonoscopy done, since I now know that I don't have colon cancer.

 

[Arenesus]

I ended up paying for a private colonoscopy after the NHS had been dragging their feet for over a year, cost me £2500 out of pocket.

I had been suffering from abdominal pain (non-specific) and a change in bowel habit (chronic constipation) for several months that literally hit me over night and never went away.

I got the all clear (honestly the peace of mind was worth the cost, I've seriously thought I was dying), still having weird symptoms now but I'm not as worried as I was (constant stress, worry, sleepless nights...).

If you can't pay for it yourself or want to take an intermediate test, you can order yourself a FIT or FOB test online. These are tests that check for very small amounts of blood in the stool and are cheap and easy to do, should be less than $100. Although it may not give you the all clear and can guarantee you don't have cancer, they can be used to detect one of the key colon cancer indicators and if you're in need of immediate further investigation (By having over a certain threshold of blood in your stool).

Of course, your symptoms can be many things such as IBS, IBD, UC... Please try not to worry and consider the above or chase a second opinion.

 

[TeenageFBI]

I started getting regular colonoscopies pretty early due to family history. It's good for peace of mind.

 

[Kangu]

Definitely get checked. Its generally known that the rate of colon cancer has ticked up significantly in recent decades, and the age at which people get colon cancer has been trending down. The recommended age to start screening is no longer valid.

My brother started having incredibly painful cramps at 34, and then developed blood in his stool. Got checked out and there was a large tumor in his intestine which had to be taken out alongside a meter of his intestine. I started getting checked out immediately and sure enough, had several polyps that had to be removed. I now get screened every 2-3 years.

I don't know where you live, but a colonoscopy is incredibly cheap in Mexico, even in top notch private hospitals in Mexico City (like 5-6 hundred dollars). If you don't have insurance it might be a good option. Feel free to DM if you want any guidance.

 

[mreddie]

Yeah get checked OP.

I had an issue earlier this year and I thought I had something, it was hemorrhoids and it's gone away since then, everything is normal but I'm getting a full physical done this summer before my birthday and will advise to get one even if I'm about to be 32.

No family history but peace of mind.

 

[Mocha Joe]

Could be Ulcerative Colitis. That's what I have. First sign was mucus and blood in stool and going to the bathroom after I ate literally anything.

rooting for you OP, colon problems fucking suck. I wish I could go back to normal. I am no longer in remission and I hate it.

definitely go to a doctor and get checked o it before it gets super bad

 

[Temascos]

If you can't pay for it yourself or want to take an intermediate test, you can order yourself a FIT or FOB test online. These are tests that check for very small amounts of blood in the stool and are cheap and easy to do, should be less than $100. Although it may not give you the all clear and can guarantee you don't have cancer, they can be used to detect one of the key colon cancer indicators and if you're in need of immediate further investigation (By having over a certain threshold of blood in your stool).

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Oh wow! Thank you for that advice! I've just seen how much these tests are and they seem pretty reasonable price wise, I'm ordering one now. At least it gives me a quick check :)

 

[maruchan]

Could be Ulcerative Colitis. That's what I have. First sign was mucus and blood in stool and going to the bathroom after I ate literally anything.

rooting for you OP, colon problems fucking suck. I wish I could go back to normal. I am no longer in remission and I hate it.

definitely go to a doctor and get checked o it before it gets super bad

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Hmm that happend to me recently when I went to the restroom was feces tip covered in mucus and blood. I was scared and googled it says it's normal when constapated. I'm worried…

 

[ferma]

Get a second opinion. For years I struggled with migraines until I saw a neurologist last year. Turns out I had brain tumors from NF2. They were able to remove the tumors but at the cost of my natural hearing ability. Better deaf than dead, I suppose. My point is my end result could've been different had I saw a specialist much earlier. Please get a second opinion.

 

[Bentendo24]

I'm only a few years older, and due to Boseman's death, decided to finally talk to my doctor about symptoms I've been dealing with for years. She scheduled a colonoscopy, and lo and behold, they found a mess of shit we weren't expecting up there. I was anxious as hell, but glad to have answers...mostly. It cost me about 2k when all was said and done, and I got myself on a payment plan with 0% interest.

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What were the symptoms?

 

[Cation]

Did you go to your primary care physician or a specialist?

 

[Mocha Joe]

Hmm that happend to me recently when I went to the restroom was feces tip covered in mucus and blood. I was scared and googled it says it's normal when constapated. I'm worried…

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i would honestly call your doctor or see a GI. that's how it started for me and it got way worse because I decided to wait and thought "oh it would go away".

it's better to play it safe with colon stuff and be honest about your symptoms with your doctor.

 

[Vincent Alexander]

What were the symptoms?

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Bloody stool, but turned out to be boring ole hemorrhoids as expected. What I was not expecting was what were described as moderate to severe ulcers where my small and large intestine connect. They thought ulcerative colitis or...can't remember the other one...but testing has been inconclusive. However, even though I have never gotten a definitive diagnosis, I had the realization after-the-fact that certain foods give me an almost immediate reaction where I feel terrible...mostly nauseous. It happened intermittent enough that I never did anything about it. But it clicked that my reactions were probably tied to my ulcers. Even though I don't know what is going on for sure, I cut out coffee, acidic/spicy food and drink, and haven't had any other issues yet.

 

[Crimson-Death]

My father died last month of complications from colon cancer, he was just 67. He had just found out the month before that, in late March. The first treatment of chemotherapy caused acute live failure, and then his kidneys shut down. He apparently had some sort of liver disease as well not detected before biopsies and the symptoms, and he never drank nor smoked nor anything, but he never took care of his health either beyond his diabetes.
Just before the pandemic they got rid of him at work and paid him off, so they could pay someone else a lot less. Of course, he lost his medical insurance and tried a couple of times to sign up for Medicare/Medical, but the local offices were closed, and a hassle for him to get on the phone last year and get things moving, but it was never a priority for him, even when he did go for check ups, I don't think he had a colonoscopy at all in the last decade, and it could have found the polyps that eventually become cancerous. Had he had his insurance and gone for checkups during the pandemic, maybe they would have found anomalies in his liver.
I never got over my mother's death at 55 in late 2012. My father did not suffer too long, and was gone too quick after the cancer was found, but mentally he suffered more, I know. I thought it would disturb me too much for me to able to function. But I find that the time off did not help make it better or worse, and I just feel too numb to even feel numb, if that makes sense. I just operate disconnected, but I feel things don't affect me one way or another. I appear normal, I almost feel normal, but a deep part of me just stopped.

So just having turned 40, and my father's mom still being alive, I just need to keep on going, since we care for her at home. I need to look into having an early screening no matter what. Take the necessary steps that you will OP, but do take care of your health and relentlessly push for the procedures you deem necessary at this stage, because doctors and insurers don't really care. We are just numbers and statistics, dots on a graph, one of thousands for each and every year.

 

[Thebox]

I've had diverticulitis a few times and last colonoscopy i had was 2 years ago. Fortunately my insurance covered all the cost the only thing I would have to pay for is if they took biopsies or removed a polyp. I had no abnormal findings besides obviously diverticulosis and some hemorrhoids. Are you having blood in your stool? Most likely if it is bright red and you have pain at your anus it is a hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids can also be internal and painless, but cause bleeding. So it would be in your best interest to get a colonoscopy to make sure if possible. I would be most concerned if you were having unexplained weight loss, but that is usually a later sign of cancer. With a family history of colon cancer I would at the very least take a cologuard test which you can do at home costs about $650 without insurance.

 

[Nida]

What symptoms should one be on the lookout for?

 

[Yasuke]

Did you go to your primary care physician or a specialist?

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The former. After making this thread, I resolved to find a specialist(s) and schedule an appointment soon (and to start looking for a new PCP). Maybe a month or so out so that I can hopefully be employed and insured by the time my appointment date comes, but the only way out seems to be through.

I just doubt myself a lot, which doesn't really make sense when it comes to my body and how it feels.

 

[StreetsAhead]

What symptoms should one be on the lookout for?

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Irregular bowel movements, blood in your stool, abdominal cramps.

 

[PeakPointMatrix]

When people say "blood in stool" do they mean blood embedded in the stool, or like bright red that comes out with them (like from a hemorrhoid or anal fissure?)

 

[FelRes]

Reminder for hypochondriacs: stop clicking these threads

 

[Lemony1984]

When people say "blood in stool" do they mean blood embedded in the stool, or like bright red that comes out with them (like from a hemorrhoid or anal fissure?)

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The former. The stool is black/dark colored because of the blood.

 

[Shroki]

Almost all of the symptoms from colon/stomach cancer are also IBS symptoms and you are far, far, far more likely to have simply IBS at any age - but especially under 40 years old. If you have regular blood in your stool (both red blood and stool blackened by older, coagulated blood), you're much more likely to have an ulcer or fissure. You MUST get blood checked out anyway, but don't panic over cancer - just get to a doctor asap.

And get a colonoscopy. I promise you it's a simple procedure. Tons of people don't get them because they're worried/grossed out about it but it's SOOOO not a big thing.

Reminder for hypochondriacs: stop clicking these threads

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Well... two things here. 1) There's no such thing as hypochondriasis anymore. It's Illness Anxiety/Illness Anxiety Disorder. The criteria for a diagnosis are a little different. And 2) they won't be able to help themselves from clicking on threads like this which is part of their illness.

I've got my Illness anxiety disorder under control right now and this thread isn't triggering me despite my recurring IBS symptoms. So this seems as good of a platform as any to tell anyone who doesn't have it under control to seek professional help in the form of a therapist and anti-anxiety medication. It's been life saving for me.

 

[CrankyJay]

Fuck that, dude. You need to advocate for yourself. Push back, and if they won't get you a colonoscopy find a new doctor. My brother had sizable polyps at age 32.

He begged me to get checked and I finally got one at 39. I also had two large polyps.

I had to pester my doctor.

 

[Rampage]

If you have a family history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about get a referral to get screened early. If a doctor approves, it can be covered by insurance. Also, if you have having unknown gut issues, getting a colonoscope to diagnose a wide range of gut issues in normal which insurance also should cover.

Speak as someone who just had a colonscope on Monday before 50 because my family has a history of cancerous polyps.

 

[Heynongman!]

I recently went through this. I had issues with thin stool and changes in bowel habits - it also seemed to be getting worse until my gastro finally ordered a colonoscopy. Mine ended up being minor IBS coupled with lactose intolerance and some colitis that worked itself out after the cleanse they had me do for the procedure. Get a second opinion if you must but I highly recommend going through with whatever screening they're doing for peace of mind and if it is colon cancer they need to begin treatment pronto if it's been going on for a few years.

Im also 29 and relatively healthy otherwise

 

[rras1994]

With those symptoms it could be a number of different things other than colon cancer, in fact it's more likely to be something else at your age so that's something to keep in mind just for your own general stress levels. You still need a colonoscopy though as both colon cancer and all those other things like IBD can be found or ruled out by that. It's just that was also something that was in the back of my head when I was having months of digestive issues as two aunts of mine died of colon cancer and I know the stress that worry can cause. Mine turned out to be Crohn's. Good luck. I found if you keep going to the doctors again and again about your pain caused by unknown issues in your stomach, they may treat you like shit, ignore troubling symptoms and push you from department to department to get rid of you but you might accidentally stumble across the right specialty to help you. It did take numerous hospitalisations at that point though. Not a fun time. At least you are pretty sure it's gastro? That might help in being better patient advocate for yourself but I won't lie to you, it can really be an uphill battle

 

[BizzyBum]

Just in case anyone doesn't know, blood in the stool has to be a dark red/blackish to be a concern. If it's a brighter red it's just hemorrhoids which still sucks but less serious obviously.

 

[mangopositive]

I have family history from both parents, so I'm on the every 3 year train. Have to schedule my 3rd for August. At least the prep has gotten better. Slightly more drinkable, anyway.

 

[anariel]

As someone who has had (and still does, thanks carcinogens!) colon cancer fears, I think it's important to get a second opinion and, if possible, get a colonoscopy. Even if it's not cancer, it could still be something like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (me) which still need to be treated one way or another. I let my problems go unchecked for way too long because I just assumed it'd get better and ended up with a cripplingly large hospital bill (yay no insurance) because I had to be kept there for more than a month. At least it didn't cost me my life, but it's just not worth the risk. If nothing else, maybe it'll be nothing serious and at least you'll know. I've found a lot of places are pretty reasonable with setting up payment plans if you need it.

 

[Hollywood Duo]

If you ever are dealing with cancer the answer is never to wait and always to get it looked at immediately. It doesn't matter how old you are or why you think it's impossible you have it.

 

[Seirith]

If your symptoms are gastro related, I would ask your doctor for a referral for a gastroenterologist. I have IBS and my doctor sent me to one, whenever I have weird out of the ordinary symptoms for me they give me a colonoscopy. I've had 3 now, each time I have been told it is still IBS. If your doctor is blowing you off, get a new one. Both my primary and gastro doctor listen to my symptoms and take them seriously.

 

[Good4Squat]

Get a new doctor, it is really important to have a doctor that you feel actually listens to you and takes your worries seriously. Really sucks that it is so expensive for you to get checked out, since that sounds like it could potentially give you some peace of mind.

 

[hurlex]

Yeah got to a GI or colon-rectal specialist. Think they are more likely to recommend a colonoscopy.

Im going to guess you are fine and don't be too stressed over it but getting a preventive screening is a good idea and I'm sure a specialist will be more likely to work With you.

 

[Deleted member 2840]

Yeah you don't fuck with colon cancer. Totalbiscuit was 29 when he was diagnosed with it

 

[Chopchop]

If your doctor is ignoring your concerns on multiple fronts, you might want to consider getting a second opinion.