do i need a colonoscopy? or am I just being paranoid

okay, I am a 23 yr old female. My father passed away with colon cancer at the age of 51 so this subject is touchy and very scarey for me. For months now.I have been having colon spams..PAINFUL PAINFUL colon spasms..I was actually up all nite friday nite crying because I was hurting lower front and then of course the sharp pain in lower section as well. I have been to the GI doctor..the same one my father seen at that. and he told me that colon spasms were wat I was having and could be caused from my nerves..with my age and me being a female my risks are lower then if I were a male and that a colonoscopy was totally up to me but that if he did the proceeder and found something he would  be shocked. so i put it off. Well, like i said the other nite i was up all nite hurting it almost feels like trapped gas and constipation CHRONIC at that. I took at laxative tonite and used the bathroom a little.Wat do you suggest?

[Morecambe]

Looking at the most pessimistic side, there are (very rare) cases mentioned on Medhelp where colon cancer has been detected in patients as young as early 20's.  With your family's history of colon cancer, my inclination would be to consult a G.I. specialist and request a colonoscopy - and then to ask at what intervals you should be re-examined.  You may be accused of being over-anxious but you are the patient.

regards
Morecambe

[swoozy1]

My mother-in-law is 64 and has had colon cancer for 4 years. She is in the final stages of it and is currently in a considerable amount of pain. She has a permanent illiostomy because there are so many tumors in her colon it will not function any longer. I don't wish this disease on anyone! It's terrible to see the radical surgeries, chemo treatments and pain she's been going through for something that is totally preventable.

My husband is 40 and had a colonoscopy 2 years ago because of the hereditary nature of colon cancer. They found 3 pre-cancerous polyps that they removed. He will be checked every 3 years because this type of cancer is typically slow growing.

As far as your concern...It IS NOT too early to have one. First, it will set your mind at peace. 2nd... if there are polyps and they are caught at an early stage... Colon Cancer can be 100% prevented! Please go get an exam.... and best wishes to you.

[JDS2805]

Because your dad died young(which I'm very sorry to hear) and colon cancer can be hereditary and is a slow growing cancer, if you feel you need a colonoscopy then I would definatly push for one. I'm 29 and was having all the symptoms of colon cancer- I had a colonoscopy back in July and thankfully, everything was clear and it was due to stress of being out of work. The test is easy and you don't feel a thing- the only hard part is the prep but it's a fair trade for peace of mind. Keep us updated and I pray you feel better soon!