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- $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.
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- 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.
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