IBS or colon cancer?

[amy1919]

Hello,
I am a healthy 30 year female. I've always had a sensitive stomach for as long as I can remember and lots of gas, especially after eating.
Lately I noticed that if I ate smaller meals and slower that helped with the gas.
Over the past few months, I've changed my diet slightly (less sugar and carbs) but I've noticed a weight loss of about 10 pounds (it seemed a little too easy)
Also, I have a bowel movement about 2 times a day. It seems to alternative between constipation and dirrahea and I never feel fully empty after. The bowel movements are soft, short and a little thicker than a pencil. Sometimes there is clear mucus.
My symptoms are worsened by coffee and stress.
I've reserached IBS and it seems my symptoms match but my grandfather died from colon cancer, so I'm also a bit worried that this could be something more serious.
As I don't have insurance any advice you could give me would be much appreciated.

Thank you,
Amy

[TheLightSeeker]

"I" totally agree with you patient915, however, this is obviously a "piece of mind" issue.
By ruling out colon cancer, it might give Amy exactly what she's looking for
at the present time.

Of course this does not preclude seeing the gastro for her IBS in the future.
(Any Pro-Bono Gastro Docs out there?)
Blessings to all!
Nikodicreta

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  I would recommend that you see a gastroenterologist about this.  It sounds like you have IBS.  I really doubt that you have colon cancer because of your age and your symptoms.  I don't think you need to do the test listed above.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hey Amy
Welcome to the forum.

IBS is much likelier. however, just to put yourself at ease, checkout "FirstMark ONC Oncology Health Monitoring Test". Do a search and find out more about it.
The cost of the test is $189 which includes a taking blood sample, lab work,
and a mailed Test Report. If it sounds O.K. then discuss this further with your Doctor.
Blessings,
Nikodicreta