Anyone who works in colorectal cancer

[newjobnewstartihope]

Do you have any idea what the chance is of having bowel cancer after a clear colonoscopy 8 years ago?

Hi OP. Have you spoken to MacMillan? They might be able to help you. Phone lines open 8am till 8pm every day.

It’s apparently slow growing, but 8 years is plenty enough I would have thought If you have symptoms go to your gp. They will refer you if they think they need to.

I don’t work in colorectal, but I do have current experience of the system. Pm me if you want to chat.

I have had colonoscopies every 5 years and pay. Its peace of mind. Usually the consultant gives a time scale. She said every 5 years ago I save it up and off I go. She has removed several benign polyps. BC is in my family

8 years ago is a long time. If you have symptoms you should see your GP. Bowel cancer can be very fast growing.

A colonoscopy 8 years ago is irrelevant if you have new symptoms. Speak to your GP

If you are symptom free, your need for another colonoscopy is dependant on family history, your age and personal medical history. If you are concerned ask your gp to refer you to a bowel family history clinic.

Your risk is pretty much the same as the rest of the population. If you have symptoms make sure you see someone.

If you have symptoms, don't panic. It is not necessarily cancer. IBS, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, crowns etc are other possible explanations.

Crohns (not crowns)

Thank you all
I am just panicking like crazy.
To the poster that said it can be fast growing do you have experience in this area? As all I've read so far suggests it usually grows slowly from existing polyps

I have had 3 relatives die from bowel cancer. All of them had it discovered in its very late stages when other tests had come back normal/ clear, including a colonoscopy a few months before in my Mums case. (She had Crohn’s disease and had regular ones - Crohn’s increases the risk of bowel cancer). The only time it ever showed up was on a CT scan and all were dead from it within 8 weeks after that. BUT - I feel awful saying that because it is unusual for that to happen. And if you’re pushing for tests and having them done then generally they can detect it in its early stages and you can have treatment. But I certainly wouldn’t assume that a colonoscopy several months beforehand that came back normal means you should ignore further symptoms- definitely push for more tests. Having said that, it is more likely to be something like piles (you can’t always feel internal ones) or Crohn’s or colitis.

Yeah I have seen that IBD increases risk of bowel cancer. Really sorry to hear that

Thank you 💐

I am very cautious about my own bowel health now. I know I’m at higher risk of bowel cancer so I do everything I can to reduce the risk and part of that is making sure I check out every single thing if it worries me. Ive had colonoscopies and FIT tests and all sorts. Better to be safe than sorry.

It depends on lots of different factors. Family history, your medical history. 8 years ago is irrelevant. Some individuals have them every 2 years, some 5 yearly and others once off, all depending on family history. Depends on the type of cancer how fast growing etc. If you have symptoms get them checked out. The drs will not be taking into account your colonoscopy from 8 years ago. Also drs are much happier to tell someone all is fine than you didn't seek advice early enough. Try not to worry too much as I've clocked you have said you have ibs, so could all just be related to this.

Sorry just read back that that IBD was in relation to someone else.