Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 10/22/2006

Question
Hi, I am a 28 yr old female.  For the past couple of weeks I have been experiencing mild constipation and colicky cramping in my left lower pelvic area.  I went to the doctor and they thought it was my ovary but they did a pelvic ultrasound and everything was normal.  The pain gets worse after I strain to have a bowel movement.  It feels colicky and crampy just on the one side.  I don't have any blood.  I just don't feel right.  I have gas in the morning which I don't usually have.  I am very scared of colon cancer.  Does this sound like colon cancer?  The pain almost feels like inflamation.  It helps sometimes with a heating pad.  The pain also radiates to my back.  I am making myself more stressed out which is making my stomach worse.  Cancer does not run in my family and I am 28.  What other things can cause this horrible pain?   The pain gets worse when I lay down.  I am tired and cranky because I can't sleep, I keep thinking I am dying of colon cancer.  Does colon cancer cause bad pain?  Any information would be valued.  Thank you.

Answer
You are very young to think of colon cancer, especially if it does not run in your family. It is far more probable that you have a spastic bowel (colon irritabile) which is not dangerous. But without an examination I can not say any more. If you worry this much about it seek a second opinion from a gastroenterologist!