Sunday, October 24, 2010

Is it possible for me to be diagnosed with colon cancer at age 17

Is it possible for me to be diagnosed with colon cancer at age 17?
I did some research after having pains in my lower right abdomen. I have a lot of the symptoms but it said it's usually diagnosed to people 50 and up. However I do have it in my genes, my grandpa was just recently diagnosed with it.
Cancer - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Not necessarily, a doctor and routine examinations would have to be carried out first to diagnose this, pains in your abdomen are a symptom for many illnesses or could just be something of a nuisance. Is there any colitis in your family, or irritable bowel syndrome? Monitor how often you have these pains and how long they last for each time and let your doctor know if your still worried.
2 :
If you are having real concerns about your abdominal pains then please go and see your doctor. As the previous answer said it could be one of many things. You need to have it sorted out even if its just for your peace of mind. I am sorry to hear that your Grandpa has got colon cancer but they can do a lot these days if it is caught in time. It isnt the death sentence it used to be. Medicine has come a long way over the years. Please go and see your doctor ok.
3 :
While it is possible, it is unlikely. The pains as you describe them could be anything from constipation to an appendix about to rupture. If you are concerned, see a Dr.
4 :
Not likely but possible.If you are in a high risk group than this does predispose you to getting it sometime in your life. Ask for a full colonoscopy. Most of the time they don't look at the entire colon, but due to your family history it would seem prudent .
5 :
yes it can happen expacilay if there is a history in your family but i would guess that you dont it might just be that your constipated or something like that.
6 :
It isn't usual; the greatest risk factor, as with most types of cancer, is age. Almost 85% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancers are over 60. Certainly the pains you describe could be caused by many, many conditions other than cancer. The fact that your grandfather has been diagnosed with colon cancer does NOT mean it is 'in your genes'. Cancer is actually rarely hereditary - fewer than 10% of all cancer cases, all types, are hereditary. Cancer diagnosed after the age of 50 is even less likely to be hereditary. One second degree relative over 50 having cancer doesn't increase your risk. A sign that cancer MAY be hereditary with in a family is when several members of the same side of that family have had the same type of cancer,especially if some developed it at a younger than usual age.

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