[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

As a vegan I understand what you're saying, however our diet does not preclude us from standard medical tests.

I welcome any regularly accepted testing to confirm my dietary choice.

U are remiss to think otherwise IMO, at your age it will likely be the last time to consider it, just do it.

Excellent post jimbo; concise, to the point and spot on in making the case for the importance of getting the test done! I have seen first hand, and more than once, the heartbreaking affect on someone with colon cancer, and with it leaving me praying I never have to personally experience what I've seen. I do hope you're successful in getting through on the importance of the procedure whereas I have apparently failed in my attempt. Kudos!!!

[gerryann]

anyone know if bloodtesting or fecal test can find colon cancer?

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by gerryann

anyone know if bloodtesting or fecal test can find colon cancer?

Blood testing... NO! Fecal test... yes and no! The most accurate method of detecting is a colonoscopy. Here is further reading on these questions:

Colon cancer: Tests and diagnosis - MayoClinic.com

https://www.healthtap.com/#topics/ca...t-colon-cancer

[gerryann]

very good info. thanks for posting.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by mikeod

Please consider the fact that while your lifestyle choices have been positive for your health, they likely do not reduce the chances for colon cancer to 0%. It would be a shame for you to have made these changes only to succumb to a disease that is detectable in its early stages and treatable.

I agree that the fecal test for occult blood is almost worthless. The only difficult part of a colonoscopy is the prep, and that is really just an inconvenience for a day. The actual procedure is painless when done under sedation, and it's good to know all is well.

I avoided it as well until I was over 60 and was relieved when all was OK. I will have another one done when it is time.

Ecellent posts. Straight to the heart of the matter.

[billethkid]

these decisions are personal but keep in mind when one quotes the test is not needed after 75 they are merely telling you that not as many folks get colon cancer after age 75. Note the words "not as many".....after age 75 there will CONTINUE to be colon cancer affected seniors.

Also keep in mind colon cancer is known to be an aggressive, fast growing form of cancer. That is the very reason if one has had polyps removed previously the doctor recommends a colonoscopy every three years until there are two in a row with no polyps. And after age 75 that goes to every 5 years.

You ay be approaching 75 but why do you think you are home free just by reaching that age? What if you already have pre cancerous polyps forming? Until they get to a point in progression where they bleed, there are usually no other symptoms (that is why the fecal test....to detect microscopic blood content, hence an early warning).

The colonoscopy "experience" is very much negatively over stated. The modern methods, prep and anesthesia are significantly less of an imposition than most dental procedures. I have been having a colonoscopy every three years for the past 12 years.....when a bleeding polyp was discovered. And unfortunately I have yet to have two in a row clear. The process or inconvenience is far outweighed by the good news (hopefully).

Thus far on incomplete information you are professing being a winner. Until you get a colonoscopy you really won't know for sure.

The choice is yours to continue to roll the dice.

btk

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by billethkid

these decisions are personal but keep in mind when one quotes the test is not needed after 75 they are merely telling you that not as many folks get colon cancer after age 75. Note the words "not as many".....after age 75 there will CONTINUE to be colon cancer affected seniors.

Also keep in mind colon cancer is known to be an aggressive, fast growing form of cancer. That is the very reason if one has had polyps removed previously the doctor recommends a colonoscopy every three years until there are two in a row with no polyps. And after age 75 that goes to every 5 years.

You ay be approaching 75 but why do you think you are home free just by reaching that age? What if you already have pre cancerous polyps forming? Until they get to a point in progression where they bleed, there are usually no other symptoms (that is why the fecal test....to detect microscopic blood content, hence an early warning).

The colonoscopy "experience" is very much negatively over stated. The modern methods, prep and anesthesia are significantly less of an imposition than most dental procedures. I have been having a colonoscopy every three years for the past 12 years.....when a bleeding polyp was discovered. And unfortunately I have yet to have two in a row clear. The process or inconvenience is far outweighed by the good news (hopefully).

Thus far on incomplete information you are professing being a winner. Until you get a colonoscopy you really won't know for sure.

The choice is yours to continue to roll the dice.

btk

Excellent post.

Maybe that's why it is under "preventive procedures" that are covered by a medical plan, so it is cost effective. Much easier to have the colonoscopy that to have deal with the treatment after cancer is discovered.

To me, not knowing would drive me crazy. To just assume, it's folly.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by asianthree

its not the procedure that i would be concered with, its what type of anesthesia they are using, some use a twilight and you are in a comfortable state others use very little drugs and it can be very hard on you, if done right this can be a fifteen minute procedure

It's not without risks. I searched "Colonoscopy-Wikipedia..." Then scrolled down to "Risks"

[billethkid]

It is good to be aware of risks, which are listed for every medical item/issue/procedure/etc.

As an example there would be risks listed for taking aspirins. One could hypothesize that since there are many more people who take aspirins than get a colonoscopy, there will be more people potentially harmed taking aspirins than getting a colonoscopy.....doesn't stop anybody from taking aspirins.

Personal decisions need to be as informed as possible. You are in much more danger driving on the highway or your golf cart than you will ever be taking an aspirin OR getting a colonoscopy!!!

btk

[gerryann]

Originally Posted by billethkid

It is good to be aware of risks, which are listed for every medical item/issue/procedure/etc.

As an example there would be risks listed for taking aspirins. One could hypothesize that since there are many more people who take aspirins than get a colonoscopy, there will be more people potentially harmed taking aspirins than getting a colonoscopy.....doesn't stop anybody from taking aspirins.

Personal decisions need to be as informed as possible. You are in much more danger driving on the highway or your golf cart than you will ever be taking an aspirin OR getting a colonoscopy!!!

btk

thats so true, the benifits most certainly outway the risks.

[Villages PL]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your concern.

Here's some information you might find interesting that backs up what I said about diet and exercise.

In 2001 it was stated that there were 19 yearly deaths from colon cancer for every 100,000 population in the U.S.. Now it's down to 17 per 100,000.

I don't have an up-to-date figure for Okinawans but in 2001 it was reported that they had only 8 yearly deaths per 100,000.

Question: Why do so many people have a cavalier attitude toward diet and exercise, yet they take testing very seriously? It seems to me that eventually some form of cancer will get you that you haven't been tested for.

Example: My brother, who was a big candy eater and overweight, was tested yearly for prostate cancer. He caught it early and it was a slow growing cancer, so it wasn't a problem. However, within a short period of time (1 to 2 years) he discovered he had pancreatic cancer and it had spread everywhere. (It was not a result of having prostate cancer.)

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your concern.

Here's some information you might find interesting that backs up what I said about diet and exercise.

In 2001 it was stated that there were 19 yearly deaths from colon cancer for every 100,000 population in the U.S.. Now it's down to 17 per 100,000.

I don't have an up-to-date figure for Okinawans but in 2001 it was reported that they had only 8 yearly deaths per 100,000.

Question: Why do so many people have a cavalier attitude toward diet and exercise, yet they take testing very seriously? It seems to me that eventually some form of cancer will get you that you haven't been tested for.

Example: My brother, who was a big candy eater and overweight, was tested yearly for prostate cancer. He caught it early and it was a slow growing cancer, so it wasn't a problem. However, within a short period of time (1 to 2 years) he discovered he had pancreatic cancer and it had spread everywhere. (It was not a result of having prostate cancer.)

If you are among the (name the number) that die of colon cancer, you still are dead.

You are the one who asked the question about tests. You had already decided not to have a colonoscopy. There are many kinds of cancer and some very unfortunate people have more than one.

A person concerned with keeping himself healthy would likely be safer having a colonoscopy. All it is is a visual look at your innards. What you can't see can hurt you.

But you have already decided not to have the test. I think we have your answer.

It isn't any fun to drink all that stuff but in the END your insides will be shiny clean. And poof, you are asleep and poof you are awake and then you feel good for knowing what is happening in there.

I do anyway. We do a lot of things not only for ourselves but for the other people in our world who love us.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your concern.

Here's some information you might find interesting that backs up what I said about diet and exercise.

In 2001 it was stated that there were 19 yearly deaths from colon cancer for every 100,000 population in the U.S.. Now it's down to 17 per 100,000.

I don't have an up-to-date figure for Okinawans but in 2001 it was reported that they had only 8 yearly deaths per 100,000.

Question: Why do so many people have a cavalier attitude toward diet and exercise, yet they take testing very seriously? It seems to me that eventually some form of cancer will get you that you haven't been tested for.
Example: My brother, who was a big candy eater and overweight, was tested yearly for prostate cancer. He caught it early and it was a slow growing cancer, so it wasn't a problem. However, within a short period of time (1 to 2 years) he discovered he had pancreatic cancer and it had spread everywhere. (It was not a result of having prostate cancer.)

I agree to disagree respectfully in the highlighted area of your post.

As a type 2 diabetic, I eat in moderation and exercise vigorously three times a week. As a doctor once said to me, "you are digustingly healthy". I take my health seriously as I am not getting it back once it's gone.

BTW - a routine test showed my diabetes in it's early stage and was controlled by eating healthy and exercise.

I take precautionary test because it is a much preferred option than if I was to make believe that nothing bad was to occur. I would rather deal with something when it's in the early stages than to deal with it when it's full blown and past the point of being controlled. I also want to know and not wonder if something is wrong. Not knowing is the worst of all scenarios.

I believe the famous words of Abbott and Costello when put in front of a firing squad and asked if the had any last wishes.

" I want to die of old age".

What's the rush, "death is forever, at least physically".

Time to climb down from my soapbox.

[sueandskip]

Just for your peace of mind , get the colonoscopy and be done with it,,,Painless and the best sleep you will ever have !

[Roadsterz4]

You have to do what you feel comfortable with. My wife was diagnosed with colon cancer at 64. No history, great condition, non-smoking, healthy diet, found on a routine colonoscopy. 64 is not that far from 70, we are looking at a lot more good years. If she had waited docs say she most likely would not be here now. It is a pretty easy procedure that can save your life. Still of course it is up to you, as Dirty Harry would say " are you feeling lucky,well are you"
Take care.