Abdominal Cramp/Twinge

[colb]

For the past couple weeks I have had on occasion (sometimes no problems for several days) a mild twinge or cramp in my abdominal area (between my navel and left hip bone).  There seems to be no other symptoms (no bowel change, etc) but I am concerned that this is an indication of something.  I recently had a pap smear with no problems and a rectal check by my gynecologist.  Is this area where the colon is and should I be concerned about colon cancer?  I am 54 years old , about 30 lbs overweight, mildly active (walk everyday), and work full time. I am deathly afraid of having a colonoscopy.  I know I should have one but is this the type of pain associated with colon cancer?  Thanks for your help.

[lzbth]

Don't be afraid of a colonoscopy! Compared to some other G.I. procedures, it's a walk in the park! Really!  The "prep" is by far the worst part.  If you pain persists, though, do see your doctor.  Best of luck to you!  lz

[katey]

If the pain persists, you really should go to your doctor, but colon cancer on the left side usually shows other symptoms.  The most common symptom of colon cancer on the left side is blood in the stool, followed by symptoms of obstruction (decrease in size of stool, pencil thin stools.)  Also, there could be a change in bowel habits, such as new constipation or persistant diarreah.  Don't worry!!!  Cancer is the least likely thing to be causing your pain.  You could have just pulled a muscle.  There are THOUSANDS of possibilities that could be causing that pain.  Don't think cancer!!  Also, don't be afraid of the colonoscopy.  You probably won't even realize that you're having it done.  The pump you so full of drugs through an I.V. that you may not even remember having the procedure done.  Good luck!  stop the worries!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s., even though you are afriad of the colonoscopy, it very well could save your life.  If can remove precancerous polyps, eliminating the chance of you suffering from colon cancer.  Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in North America, and most people avoid getting the colonoscopy for the same reason as yourself.  It could very well save your life.  You're afraid of the colonoscopy, but whats worse???  If you at some point did develop colon cancer, the colonoscopy could catch it at its earliest stages when its almost 100% curable.  Finding out you have one of the last stages of colon cancer would be a lot scarier then the colonoscopy!!  I don't think you have it, this is just for in the future.  Its very important that all people over the age of 50 be screened for colon cancer because it is soooooooooooo curable in the early stages.  Take care of yourself!