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Colorectal Diseases

Colon Cancer or not?

10/02/2003

Question:

I am 32 year old female. I have had constipation for days at a time for the past three years or so. When I`m not constipated I have diarreha. I`m hardly ever what you would call just right. I keep gas alot too. Colon cancer has been in my family, should I worry about it?

Answer:

With your family history, you should definitely investigate the possibility of colorectal cancer as the cause of your change in bowel habits and new onset constipation. A family history of colorectal cancer is one of the strongest risk factors for developing the disease, even if you are only 32. Make sure to eat a high fiber cereal every day, take a fiber supplement, and get your colonoscopy!

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Response by:

University of Cincinnati Janice Frederick Rafferty, MD
Professor of Surgery
Chief of Colorectal Surgery Division
Division of Colorectal Surgery
Department of Surgery
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati
Janice Frederick Rafferty, MD