Colon Cancer: What it is and Why You Should Be Tested for It

Colon malignancy has been on my mind a lot. My mom was diagnosed in May. We thought there was no family history but a further check revealed both her paternal grandmother and paternal aunt died of the same condition. My mom's father-in-law died of colon cancer as well. Colon cancer has no age range. My mom is 61, her grandmother was in her 70's, her aunt was in her 70's also, and my grandfather was 49 years old.

We did not catch my mom's cancer in time. The malignancy spread and was found on her liver. Today she underwent something called a PET scan and we will know if it has spread more in a few days.

I decided to write this article about colonoscopies because they are needed and over the past few weeks it has became clearer to me why they are needed. I am 33 years old and have undergone five regular colonoscopies and one sigmoidoscopy.

I want to tell you about the process of this procedure to lessen your fears. Although I cannot remember the medication given to me for all but my final colonoscopy, I do remember the medication put me to sleep. I did not need to be intubated and at the same time could not remember the process. It was not until my final colonoscopy that I had a memory. I underwent an endoscopy at the same time and was wide awake when the tube was put down my throat. I remember hearing, "swallow, swallow, swallow."

The colonoscopy part was not bad. The doctor gave me Versed and Demerol in my IV. Although I felt like I was spinning in circles, I felt no pain. I should use this point to clarify that I did not feel pain with the endoscopy either. The vast majority of people do not feel pain if they are awake to feel the experience. Many people who take medications for anxiety such as benzodiazepines are more prone to being awake for the procedure. There was so little pain I did not feel the biopsy removal.

Now that I have described the procedure of an endoscopy and colonoscopy, I will describe the importance of having these procedures done. The preparation given by mouth that causes one to have diarrhea is truly the worst experience of the entire ordeal. The prep tastes somewhat salty and the jug of liquid to swallow is not a small one. It is important to have the inside clean so the doctor can better see what he is looking for.

Why are colonoscopies important? Colon malignancy is more treatable the earlier it is found. Once cancer has metastasized to the liver or lungs, it is much harder to treat and is determined to be treatable but incurable.

Most lists say to be tested for colon malignancy at age 50 or so. If a known condition of this type of cancer exists in a first degree relative, this recommendation may change. Currently I have polyps from the esophagus down to the rectum. I have a test to determine if there is blood in my stool each year and a colonoscopy every other year. This plan may change since learning of my mom's strong family history. The way one tackles the prevention of cancer will be different for each case scenario.

Do not be afraid of having the tests done that are needed to be sure if colon malignancy is found, it is found at a treatable stage. Do not be so afraid that you avoid going to the doctor until it is too late. Be your own advocate as no one else will be. No matter what, remember more advances are coming in cancer with passing time. "Buying time" may mean buying a cure. The best plan of attack is to have scans relatively early in life and treat as issues arise.

The following is an excellent source for information involving colon cancer. Some information was used in this article.

http://www.coloncancerfoundation.org/anyage.htm

If you or someone you know have recently been diagnosed with colon cancer and are looking for further information and support http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewforum.php?f=1 cannot be matched in how wonderful it is. Both my sister and I visit each day.