Family History

[Hiker54]

Hi. I have had a positive FIT and have a colonoscopy booked in just over a week. My bowel habits have changed, and there are small black spots in my stool every time I go. I am also suffering from bloating and fatigue. I am just wondering how much a family history increases the chances of my symptoms being caused by bowel cancer. My grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, uncle and one aunt have all had bowel cancer. Three of them were under 50 when diagnosed. Just how significant is this history? The more I consider it the more anxious it is making me.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Hiker54,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I come from a family with a hereditary cancer history. I am glad you had the FIT test and are now getting the colonoscopy to get some good answers for you.

You have a family history similar to mine. Has anyone in your family had Genetic Testing? You need to Know Your Biomarker and that will immediately tell you if you should be concerned. If no one has had genetic testing, you should do this. I cannot emphasize how much this information will mean to you and your family.

My grandfather, grandmother, father, aunt, and two cousins all had colon cancer. Then I got it and had genetic testing and found I had the MSI-h (microsatellite instability high) biomarker. Knowing that, the genetic outfit that did the test was very helpful and insistent that everyone on my father's side of the family getting genetic tested to see if they had the same mutation. If someone did, then their kids would also need testing. Knowing this information gives you a heads up and should put you on a surveillance protocol to catch things early should they appear. Because I have what's called Lynch Syndrome, I get an annual colonoscopy, annual abdominal CT scan and an endoscopy every 3 years. Catching things early is key.

So please, get some genetic testing information for you and your family. Also, I wish you the very best with your colonoscopy and hope you get awesome results. That colonoscopy information will go a long way as far as getting answers is concerned.

Thanks You,

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - 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.

[Hiker54 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Hi Tom,

Thank you for your response, and I will follow up from the genetic perspective.

I have now received my Moviprep ready for next Mondays ‘clear out’ day.

Hopefully the colonoscopy will clarify the situation.

Thanks again.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Hiker54]

Awesome. You've got this. Hope everything turns out well.