How likely colon cancer in 41-yr-old woman

My primary physician sent me to a gastroenterologist because my 3-day hemoccult came back positive. I've had constipation for the past four months with some hard stools and some very soft stools, no diarrhea. I have pain in my lower left quadrant right above pubic bone. The gastroenterologist examined me, no pain in abdomen and no blood in hemoccult. He recommends colonoscopy and says I'm likely lactose intolerant. I was slightly anemic in my blood test in February. Hemoglobin 12. 4, Hematocrit 36.4. March 2004 it was 12.2 and 36.1, 7/2000 it was 12.6 and 41.1. No family history of polyps or colon cancer. Father diagnose with stomach cancer in 2004. I have low back pain on left side when stretching and a lump there.

My questions?

1. How reliable are hemoccult? I ate bananas and apples and antacids( I think) during test.

2. What is the difference between colonography and colonoscopy?

3. Why would I be fully anesthetized during colonscopy?

4. How likely is it for someone my age to get colon cancer?

I'm scared to death.

My stools have been completely normal, albeit constipated still the last two days while cutting back on milk.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) The hemocult test simple determines if there may be lower GI bleeding.  Cancer needs to be ruled out.

2) CT colonography, aka virtual colonoscopy, is an x-ray that can evaluate the colon for lesions.  If any polyps are found, a more traditional colonoscopy would then be needed.

3) You will be under conscious sedation - meaning you will be drowsy, but awake.

4) It is possible, but less likely at someone your age.  However, I would still not hesitate in getting evaluated.  All lower GI bleeding needs to be ruled out for cancer.

These questions can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[fromnowhere]

I would get a colonoscopy. I had one a couple of months ago and i dont remember a thing! my mom died at age 46 of colon cancer. It is VERY slow growing so it had been there for quite some time. Good luck! By the way, i am only 32 and he recommended getting one every 3 years.