I have no family history of cancers at all except an aunt who died from breast cancer. But, I have had ulcerative colitis for around 5-6 years in the entire colon (and 1 yrbefore that on the left side only). I am going to start my yearly screenings in a week..(full colonoscopy with biopsies) apparently because my risk of cancer increases after living with UC for that long.. should i be worried or are the chances still very slim? I ve been in remission for 5 years now but i read that the period in which the disease is in remission has no connection to the chances of getting cancer.. any thoughts?
2007-08-28 07:12:23 · 6 answers · asked by viva_italia1 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
rare ...but you could be exception..more likely to have
Crohn's disease at 19,which is serious enough..see MD
2007-08-28 07:19:20 · answer #1 · answered by Steve B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there!
Your risk of cancer in relation to Ulcerative Colitis increases considerably (about 20-30%, I believe) if you have had the disease for more than 10 years. However, the disease has to have been pretty aggressive for the duration of that period. As you have been in remission, I would not worry too much.
I hope this helps!
2007-08-28 14:22:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a higher risk than the average 19 year old. But the good news is that colon cancer is very very treatable if caught early (stage I/II). By having annual colonoscopies, IF you get cancer, it will be found very early.
Most people only find they have colon cancer when it starts to cause symptoms....by which stage it is usually stage III/IV.
Colon cancers are usually slow growing - 5 - 15 years to get to stage III.
So yes, you have a reason to worry, but try to keep the risks in perspective. Take care & enjoy a long life :-)
2007-08-28 19:20:29 · answer #3 · answered by heckenhocker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can understand how anxious you must feel. The fact that you
are getting yearly screening is good news as it will enable them to detect any problems early and act quickly to remove any cancer that might occur. Try not to worry too much and leave it to the experts. I am sure that all will be well.
2007-08-28 14:25:13 · answer #4 · answered by Spiny Norman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my 27 year old female friend had a pre-cancerous polyp removed from her colon. it is totally possible. none of her close relatives had cancer nor did she have anything in her life that would make her cancer prone.
2007-08-28 14:21:55 · answer #5 · answered by macy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Colectomy cures UC. Discuss it with your doctor
2007-08-28 15:50:52 · answer #6 · answered by IndianIMG 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋