Colon cancer screening

Hello,

I will try to make my story as short as possible.
My symptoms started about 2 years ago with more trips to the bathroom to have bowel movements. I went to see my PCD who ran a few blood tests, which came back normal.
The symptoms decreased and were almost gone for a while. Althoug it comes back pretty frequently.
I asked my PCD that I wanted to be screened for colon cancer, once I learned that change in bowel habits/frequency could be a sign of colon cancer.
Because I never had blood in my stools and although they became loose but are usually normal looking, my PCD didn't see a reason to have a colonoscopy done. Instead she believed I've been suffering from anxiety and that has been alsmot 2 years ago.

Bottom line:

My symptoms:
- Frequent bowel movements (usually 3 per day, sometimes more)
- A couple of episodes of strong diarrhea
- Discomfort in the lower abdominal area
- Frequent urination (I don't know why but it's there)
- Lower back pain.

Besides the back pain and frequent urination, the other symptoms come and go.
- I have my prostate checked recently and it's normal.
- I also had a CT Scan of my lower abdomen done (without contrast), which also didn't reveal anything.

Now I have a Barium Enema schedulled for this coming wednesday because I insisted in having a more accurate imaging test of my colon done.
I would rather have a colonoscopy but my PCD believes that no gastroenterologist would perform a colonoscopy on me because of lack of symptoms that would warrant one.

My PCD also told me that a colonoscopy can cause perforation in the intestines and it does happen once for every 1,000. Is that true?
I would rather go for a colonoscopy after reading all the discomfort caused by the BE test. I also fear that the laxative could affect me much more than expected.

I would appreciate any thoughts/inputs.

Thank you very much!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Yes, perforation is indeed one of the complications of a colonoscopy.  The incidence is between 1-2 per 1000.  

The colonoscopy is also a more comprehensive test than the BE.  However, it is not unreasonable to perform the BE first, and then the colonoscopy if there are suspicious findings.  

Another GI opinion can be rendered if you are not comfortable with the current diagnostic course.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com