Should I be worried about colon cancer?

[ladybug888]

Hello.  I have had some regularly occurring digestive issues over the last 6 months and would like your thoughts.   I have an appointment with my GI in three weeks and would like to live the next three weeks without major anxiety :))  
History:   I had a colonoscopy and endoscope of my stomach two years ago.  I had two small polyps removed as a result of my colonoscopy and was told to come back in 5 years to repeat (I am 47, but asked to have the colonoscopy before the recommended age of 50 for personal reasons).     There was nothing else abnormal with the colonoscopy, and they found a small fundic polyp that was unremarkable.     I had some epigastric pain back then and they put me on Prilosec which took care of the pain. I was able to get off of the medicine after a few months and didn't have any further problems.      Within the last 6 months, I have had bouts of similar pain, but also with diarrhea and stomach cramping that comes and goes.  it will come and stay for 3-4 days and then is gone for a couple of weeks.

My question:

1.   is it likely that I am dealing with the same thing again OR should I be worried that I am dealing with something serious like colon cancer?
2.  If I had a colonoscopy two years ago, shouldn't that mean that if it was cancer, they would have seen in then? I should be at a very low risk of cancer having just had one two years ago, correct?
3.  I have had anemia of unknown causes from time to time and this is also worrisome.  Could this relate to my stomach issues at all?

Thanks for any information you can provide prior to my appointment in 3 weeks.  I would like to not only be less anxious by hearing something before then, but also prepare myself for what I should ask the doctor when I get in there (don't want to ask about colon cancer if that is so remote that he would probably laugh at me :).

[ladybug888]

Hello, Dr.  I have actually had anemia off and on for the last ten years.  I don't know that they have ever determined a cause for it, but usually once I go on an iron supplement it brings my levels back up to where they need to be.  I don't know if that makes a difference or not, but I have had the anemia long before the GI work-up 18 months ago (I said 2 years ago, but it was actually closer to 18 months).  I am afraid that my doctor won't want to do the colonoscopy again and I need to be prepared to push for it if indeed it would be worthwhile for me to do it.  Should I truly insist?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I can understand your concern but anemia of unknown origin is concerning and colon cancer is one of the important causes. You need to get a repeat colonoscopy and biopsy done to rule it out. Other than that, these symptoms can be due to irritable bowel syndrome also. Common symptoms include abdominal cramping or pain, bloating and gassiness, and altered bowel habits(alternate constipation and loose stools).
You can get this possibility also ruled out from your gastroenterologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[ladybug888]

I don't know if it matters, but the polyp they found two years ago was a semi-sessile 5 mm tubular adenoma, negative for high-grade dysplasia or malignancy - all per the report.   Not sure if this helps in addressing my issue above :)