Symptoms

I want to know if you have Colon cancer does all the bowel movement look thin all the time?  Can you have normal one day and thin the next?  Also I have been having alot of lower left side pain.  I went to the doctor and he gave me a flexible simoidoscopy a year ago and only found internal hemorroids (hemorrhoids).  I had a double contrast barium enema 3 years ago and they found moderate diverticulosis.  If I just had the simoidoscopy a year ago could it be colon cancer that is causing alot of pain in my lower side?  Are these tests good for finding colon cancer in the sigmoid and descending colon?  The reason I havnt had a colonoscopy is because I cannot have sedatives.  Is there a chance that colon cancer comes that quickly after the Flex-sig?  I am really scared.  I thought I saw blood in the toilet.  I am so afraid.  Is colon cancer diagnosed alot around my age?  I would like to know if pencil-thin stool would always be pencil thin if you had a tumor in your colon or just sometimes.   Thank-you     Diana

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Yes, colon cancer can be caused by changes in bowel habits, including changes in shape and caliber.

A sigmoidoscopy and barium enema are adequate tests to screen for cancer, but as you suspected, a colonoscopy would be the definitive test.  

If you a truly concerned about colon cancer, I would pursue the colonoscopy.  There are some institutions that do a "no-sedation" colonoscopy, but you have to be a motivated patient.

Another alternative would be a CT, or "virtual," colonoscopy, but not all institutions offer the test.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[drummer07]

I am still wondering if I had the sigmoidoscopy recently if I could have full blown colon cancer so soon after the test?  Isnt barium enema a good test?  Also would all of my stool be thin all the time or just sometimes?  Is loose stool a symptom of colon cancer because my doctor says it is constipation that can signal colon cancer.  Thanks Diana