May be time to get checked, or talk to your doctor about it. Colon cancer is on the rise in young people. Some studies are showing those born in 1990 are twice as likely to get diagnosed with colon cancer than someone born in 1950, and four times as likely to be diagnosed with rectal cancer.

This is serious especially if cancer runs in your family.  A few of my aunts and uncles had colon cancer, and I lost my mother to it when I was 26 years old.  She was only 66 and it was heartbreaking for me and my 8 brothers and sisters.

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You are supposed to start testing for Colon cancer at about 45 or 50, and keep this in mind, young folks may not show symptoms. The mortality rate for older patients diagnosed with the disease is declining, mortality rates for young people are increasing.

Fox47news.com says Dr. Randall Meisner, gastroenterologist with Spectrum Health, says he's seen the trend first hand in his office here in West Michigan.

Colon cancer screening does not begin when you meet your physician at your 50-year-old well visit," said Dr. Meisner. "It begins when you are likely in your 20s or 30s, just so that we can catch that patient population that may be at higher risk

 

I have been tested twice in the last 20 years since it runs in my family. First time, I was awake and it was weird to watch it on the screen.  The second time I was put under and it was just as painless.  Do not be afraid to get tested it could save your life.

Mayoclinic.com gives us the signs and symptoms of colon cancer, they include:

    • A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
    • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
    • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
    • A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
    • Weakness or fatigue
    • Unexplained weight loss

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