Cancer risk
Thu, October 01, 2009 12:00 AM
I've had stomach problems all my life and have recently been diagnosed with Crohn's and IBS-C (constipation). I usually have about 1 bowel movement a week and end up feeling really sick from it. I keep worrying that I'm going to get colon cancer because of all my GI problems. Thankfully my Crohn's is well controlled by Imuran (immune modifier), it responded wonderfully to all treatments. I just sometimes wonder if I'm going to develop Colon Cancer and not know about it and die. My Dr said that Crohn's patients have a very high risk of developing colon cancer. I said "yeah, but colon cancer is easily treatable as long as you catch it early, right?" He said "yeah but not with people who have Crohn's. In people with Crohn's it spreads quickly because you're already dealing with a compromised organ". Ok, that totally freaks me out sometimes. Can they just remove your colon or something so you don't have to worry about it? I'll rock the colostomy bag or whatever. I just don't want to die. Plus in all the symptoms I read about with colon cancer, I'm afraid I wouldn't pick up on them anyway because of my constant GI problems. Please tell me I'm being overly paranoid.
mrschief5747Joined Oct 1, 2009
Tue, October 13, 2009 12:00 AM
Reply posted for mrschief5747.
I've had UC x 5 years. Every once in a while I'll think about how my colon cancer risks are higher and that's when I remind myself that's why it's important to take as good a care of myself as possible and most importantly get you're colonoscopy every 2 years! By the way, the stuff about it being harder to treat-I've never heard of that either. As time passes, because this is still new to you, I believe that you'll be able to find comfort with your new diagnosis and prognosis. Good luck.
Joined Oct 1, 2009
Thu, October 01, 2009 12:00 AM
Reply posted for mrschief5747.
Hi - I have Crohns. I was diagnosed this year in Feb. I have heard that there is an increased risk of the Colon Cancer, but did not know that information what you stated that Crohn's patients have very high risk and that it's not easily treatable. Cancer has run in my family so that very much concerns me.
I have an appointment with my GI next week, I will have to ask about that. Don't let it consume you. My husband tells me that all that time, but it is scary. So just make sure that you are always going to the dr. to get your blood checked and your routine check ups. What meds do you take currently? I am on 6MP, Remicade and Prednisone. Almost off Prednisone and down to 5 mg from 40.....Slow process. But I have been pain free since July. But I would not let it make you paranoid. Just keep yourself educated, and it doesn't hurt to get 2nd opinions also.
Wish you good health and take care.
friendlycrohnieJoined Sep 10, 2009