14 and have Crohn's Disease?

Question

I am 14 and have Crohn's Disease in my colon, and nowhere else. I have had it since I was three. I was looking at Crohn's on a website called www.ehealthmd.com and it says 'PEOPLE WITH CROHN'S DISEASE HAVE A SLIGHTLY HIGHER INCIDENCE OF COLON CANCER THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION!!!' I am so freaked out! I don't want to get colon cancer!!! It also says that Crohn's patients should get regular screenings 8 years after diagnosis and it's been more than that, and I only have colonoscopies every 3 or 4 years or less! I don't want to get colon cancer. I didn't even know that people with Crohn's were more likely to get it.

Answer 1

if you have colonoscopies every 3 or 4 years, then you are being screened. That is one of the things they look for when they do the colonoscopies.

Answer 2

I have had Crohns since I was 11, and I am now 42.
Diet and lifestyle are very key to effecting rates of cancer.
If you limit your intake of meats and animal products,and eat more veggies and anti oxidents such as olive oil, flax oil, and other "anti cancer" foods, you can help your chances greatly. May studies link diet with cancer rates. Getting checked on a regular basis once you are older (30+) is also a good idea.
Lastly, I have to add that my experience has shown me that the drugs are worse then the disease. I took my self off of steroids and started holistic treatments which have helped me greatly. These include acupuncuture, acidolphylus, vitamins, and careful diet.
Many drugs the Drug Doctors give you kill natural bacteria in your gut. This bacteria is necceary for digestion, but is seldom replaced my the same docs which kill it off for you. They are not generally educated about this which is why its very important you seek a holistic doctor as well to help you here. Good Luck- don't stress- lifetsyle is the most important factor and you have control over that!

Answer 3

what you eat has an even bigger affect on colon cancer, your digestive tract is absorbing less nutrients because of crohns disease therefore you need to eat more nutrient rich food like raw vegetables and fruit, they are also easier to digest than other food. the more nutrients your body gets the less chance you will have of developing colon cancer this applies to everyone.
also worrying is not going to help, stressing about things beyond your control will only put an even bigger burden on your immune system. try to forget what might happen and try to concentrate on good things, the mental condition of your mind can have a huge impact on the health of your body.
talk to your doctor about the screenings he/she will help to sort it out.
your still young so you don't have much chance of getting cancer for a while yet

Answer 4

Well, with a diagnosis as serious as Crohn's I'm sure you are under a Dr's care...am I right? Well, there are medications that help. You have been diagnosed, so that in itself is in your favor, it's the people who go untreated and without the medication that are at a greater risk. You can also get support through the groups here on Yahoo, there are tons of them with Chron's and IBS. Millions of people are dealing with it on a daily basis as you are, and we all need the support of each other to get through some days more than others.

I found that chewing gum, helps with my symptoms : ) I have (colitis) also had a nurse/patient share the same relief in symptoms... Your water intake has alot to do with it too

Answer 5

I have hads crohns for about 5 years now. Everyone reacts in different ways to different foods, but personally for me it is quite 'wet' foods, such as a roast dinner with gravy, or soup, or spaghetti bolognaise - imagine any food that would make a terrible mess if a plate of it were dropped - thats me. This won't (or shouldn't) concern you, but a note to remember when you're older is ALCOHOL - no good for you. It's such a shame having a disease like this, I was just over a year older than you are now when you were diagnosed. I probably don't let it affect me/my lifestyle as much as I should, I still eat and drink what I want whenever I want, but believe me sometimes it does not seem worth it! In time, you will come to realise which foods are good for you personally and which aren't. Try to keep a diary or something, I did!

Answer 6

im sorry to hear that huney , but dont panic and dont believe everything you hear , im sure your consultant is doing the best by you if you still feel wronged by it ask him about it or go ask your g.p. to put your mind at rest , even your parents may help you on this one , but please dont panic , as its easy to write that even tho many of us have diffrent conditions within crohns . keep calm go talk to someone and be good ..good luck hun xx

Answer 7

http://www.metrokc.gov/health/colon/

check this out