need advise

[wiguy]

Hi im a 24 y/o male who is worried about having colon cancer. My brother died of it in july at age 29 after only a 9 month battle. I cant seem to get the courage to go to the doc. Does anyone know what kind of doc to see first my family doc ,oncoligist, gastro? are there any warning signs i should be watching for? any help would be great! Thanks

[Lifes2short]

Talk to your family doctor about your concerns. Take good care of your health and see your doctor if you notice any changes in bowel habits or blood in your stool. I believe there's a good list of early warning signs on the home page of this site.

[LA8]

Hi, Wiguy! Why is it us guys are afraid to see the doctor?? It took me a year to address my symptoms, and I'm paying the price. When you finally see your family doctor, he/she may want to check you out by having a look in the back door. It's not a pleasent experience, but its also in no way a big deal at all, only takes a minute, and doesn't hurt. Its a really good idea especially if it runs in the family. Chances are you'll never get the disease, and seeing your doctor will increase those chances!

[Molly]

WiGuy, to add to that, you should PUSH your doc to check your backside with a colonoscopy. If you have a family history (especially such a close relative and at such a young age), you shold be getting a colonoscopy - PERIOD. (Anyone who's had one will tell you that the prep is the worst part and the drugs are awesome!) If your doc says no, find a new doc. If your insurance company says no, tell them that you have symptoms. You have to get screened!!! Please don't put it off.

[Hannah]

Hey there Wiguy,

I am so sorry about your brother - that really sucks. I think I understand how you feel about being scared - but obviously you know that you need to be screened or you wouldn't be here asking!

I think that even when you know that you need to do it, it is still kind of scary. I still can't really explain why, but I didn't tell anyone but my college roommate (who took me to the hospital) that I was getting a colonoscopy until after I got it. I didn't want my family to worry about me, and I kept telling myself that I was sure nothing was really wrong. At the same time I was scared that something was wrong because at the time my cousin had very advanced colon cancer and I was having rectal bleeding. After I found out that I only had internal hemorrhoids (no polyps or cancer!) it was like a huge load off of my shoulders and that's when I told my family. I am so glad I did it!

Luckily, I was able to go directly to a gastroenterologist who gave me a colonoscopy within a few days. I had great insurance that allowed me to go to a specialist without a referral - and it allowed me to get the colonoscopy upon the GI's request. I had no hassles getting the colonoscopy and it only cost me $25 for the initial visit and $50 for the actual colonoscopy!

I would suggest that you check your insurance to see if you can skip getting a referral from your family doctor and go directly to a gastroenterologist (GI). You definitely need to get a colonoscopy, NOT just a rectal exam or a sigmoidoscopy, and it is best to get one from an experienced GI if you are able.

I think everyone here will agree - the colonoscopy isn't as bad as you think. The prep is the worst thing and you get good drugs so you don't care what the doctor is doing to you!

Hannah