Scared of colon cancer

[Idontknowbro]

I’m 15 and recently I’ve been having an insane amount of anxiety about having colon cancer. It started when I was feeling a little constipated and then I took some laxatives and was able to go again. But even after I go poop it still feels like I have to go like I haven’t fully emptied out. One of the times I went it was really thin. Those are the only two things that are worrying me but I just can’t think straight cause I’m terrified I might have something serious.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi Idontknowbro ,I just replied to your private message you sent me.

For starters, I need to tell you that we don't offer medical advice, but we do share from our experiences - and we're always going to tell anyone with a medical concern, to see a medical professional.

Do you have a family member with colon cancer? What is it about your constipation that makes you fear that you have colon cancer? We don't want you feeling this anxious - that actually can make gastrointestinal issues worse, our gut is really sensitive to stress.

To give you some facts, 90% of people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over the age of 50.

The 10% that are under 50, are almost entirely in their 20's-40's.

That is not to say that it is impossible for someone as young as 15 to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it is just incredibly rare.

I do think that it is good to be aware of what is going on with your body, but we worry when it is causing such extreme anxiety.

Colon cancer is unique from most all other cancers in that with regular screenings, it is largely preventable, or, if colorectal cancer does develop, but is caught at an early stage, it is very treatable. Some cancers have no screening methods. Colorectal cancer has many screening methods.

Depending on your symptoms, family history, and other factors your doctor would discuss with you, they would determine if they feel that tests are necessary to determine if there is a need to screen for colorectal cancer. Or, they may not think there's a risk of colorectal cancer, but based on the symptoms you are experiencing, they might want to do a colonoscopy so that they can actually look at your colon, take samples from your colon to test, and from there they can test for a number of gastrointestinal diseases that are not related to colorectal cancer.

Anytime something feels "off" with your body, we're going to encourage you to see a medical professional.

Constipation can be caused by so many different things -- for instance, not moving around enough (say you are lounging in bed for a few days, even that can cause it!), certain types of foods, or not eating certain types of foods also can cause constipation. Not drinking enough fluids can cause it as well. Also, a BIG cause of constipation for many people? Certain medications. Even over-the-counter medications. So when you speak to your doctor, be sure to have a list of all your medications, even over-the-counter ones that you take.

And most importantly, try to relax. I hope that taking steps to see a doctor will give you some relief from the anxiety you are feeling. The only way to determine what is going on with your gastrointestinal system is to see a medical doctor.

We're here for you to vent and give you that encouragement to make that call and see a doctor.

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.