#Colon Cancer

[hc16]

Hi I'm in my early 20s and started working recently. I have occasional pain on left side of my waist. Have reg bowel movement. I eat veggies,avoid processed food but eat occasionally. Stools are solid, big and usually done in one go. I don't know why i feel pain in my left side Yesterdayi had black stools but prolly it was just the food? WHAT test should I get or doctor to consult.. I have health insurance just please get one!Im planning to inc coverage,never sure what illness we gonna get.

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi hc16,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I am very proud of you at your young age focusing on your health. That's great.

I do hate to hear you are having some pain on left side of your waist. I would definitely consult your doctor to have a quick look as there are many tests he could perform to put your mind at ease. The doctor could determine exactly what may be causing the pain or have another test to determine it. It may be more the side stomach or could be the hip area? I don't know from here. If the pain has been pretty consistent, please get it checked out.

As far as stool issues are concerned, you could do a FIT test to determine if there is any blood in the stool. The best way is to have your doctor do it. There are some you can do at home as well (Cologuard - it will say for age 45 and over😲). But since the pain in your waist would be checked out, perhaps that's the time to share the stool issue and possibly have the FIT test to check it out.

There are lots of reasons for what you are experiencing which would not be due to cancer. You are doing exactly what you should be doing and trying to find answers. That's what will put your mind at ease. Also, a little piece of advice ... never accept a reason to not check something out just because you are young. True, it is very unlikely to have certain things at a young age, but it's not impossible and why not get it checked out just to be sure. Addressing things early is very beneficial. You are doing exactly that.👍

I do wish you all the best in what you find out. Please let us know as it can be helpful to others on this site. I'm definitely interested.

Thank 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.