$Unique_ID{BRK00935}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Family History of Colon Cancer}
$Subject{colon cancers cancerous carcinoma neoplasm neoplasms detection family
history double risk colorectal cancer screening tests digital rectal
examination test blood stool fecal occult sigmoidoscopy}
$Volume{B-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Family History of Colon Cancer


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QUESTION:  With the ever present headlines about cancer, and the knowledge
that my father was operated on for colon cancer when he was my age (I am now
52), I am troubled by a gnawing fear that I too may become a victim.  Can you
provide me with any information that might ease my mind?

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ANSWER:  I certainly can provide you with the information, but I doubt that it
will put you at ease.  The only source for that good news will come from your
doctor after you follow some suggestions I am going to make.  The truth is
that, because of your family history, you probably have double the risk of
developing colorectal cancer than someone whose history shows no close
relatives with the disease.  More than that, while there is a significant risk
of this form of cancer at age 40, it doubles every 10 years after age 50 and
reaches its peak at age 70.  You are a prime candidate for the screening tests
recommended by the American Cancer Society.  They consist of:  1) an annual
digital rectal examination after age 40; 2) an annual test for hidden blood in
your stool specimen after age 50 (fecal occult blood test); 3) a sigmoidoscopy
every 3-5 years after age 50, following 2 normal annual examinations.
Sigmoidoscopy employs a flexible, telescope-like instrument which affords the
examining physician a direct look at the inside of your bowels.  A word about
the stool test.  For three days before you should refrain from eating red
meat, avoid iron containing medications, vitamin C, and any nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like ibuprofen) as they may give false
positive results.  The experts also advise eating popcorn during the same
three day period to irritate any polyps present in your colon, causing them to
bleed and reveal their presence.  Seems to me you have a bit of catching up to
do.  But since you presented me with no symptoms that suggest the problem,
such as a change in bowel habits, abdominal pains or colic, or cramping made
worse by eating, you are probably still in fine shape.  Thus the reassuring
answer you have sought from me will be yours when all this testing has been
accomplished, and that gnawing fear can be put to rest.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.