Anxiety about Colon Cancer

[Amilton14]

Hello all,

I am new here. I have been experiencing bowel issues over the past 2 months. My bowel movements have always been inconsistent, but now that I'm older and more aware of symptoms (and have a lot more anxiety), I'm a little more concerned.

I'm 32 years old, mother of 3, Type 1 diabetic. I had a colonoscopy about 8-10 years ago (I can't remember exactly how long) and everything came back normal, except for hemorrhoids. I also had a CT scan of my abdomen just over 5 years ago and everything was fine. I'm wondering how long should it be in between screenings/colonoscopies before cancer can delevop and symptoms start.

Lately ive been having to empty my bowels more frequently and less is coming out at times. There's no strain or pain when I go, I haven't noticed any blood, just small amounts of mucus.

Occasionally I have some stomach pain, but that usually goes away after I go the bathroom. Sometimes after I go I don't feel like I emptied my bowels completely.

I will say that my diet has changed (I've been eating more carbs) and when I back off of read and pasta it starts to get better, but I don't want to explain the symptoms away if there really is something wrong. I did talk to my doctor and I have to give a stool sample soon.

Any advice or feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Martinmartin]

Hi, generally it takes years for any lesions to resch csncerous stage. It is app. 10-15 years of polyp to grow and slowly turn into adenoma. Moreover, not each polyp turns into neoplasia. The issue is that most of the people with colon cancer never had colonoscopy as it is something people would like to avoid despite it being highly recommended for anyone above 50 as prevention. Due to your age, I would be looking at other digestive issues and general health improvement (no high calorie food, more fibre, proper hydration, lot of movement, proper sleep) and diagnostics - food intolerances, calprotectin to rule out UC or Crohns, but most of all put your mind at ease, as these do not sound like cancer symptoms, but like something much more common and casual

[VanessaGhigliotty]

Hello!!

Mucus in your stools is very indicative of an IBD like Crohns disease or Ulcerative Colitis. If I were you, I would get a gastroenterologist and ask for a colonoscopy with biopsies so they can better test for those diseases.

As for age, I was only 28 when I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and have no family history or known genetic mutations, so age really is not a factor in that, however from what you describe, it does sound like an IBD.