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Colon Cancer/ulcerative colitis/cancer

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Expert: - 5/30/2007


Question
I was told at 18 years old I have ulcerative colitis. I am now 30 years old and just had my fourth baby 3 months ago. Right after I started having symptoms again with discomfort,bloody stools, mucus, and soft like stools and diarrhea. I told my doctor but she wants me to wait 1 year after my baby was born. How can that affect my body waiting that long to be seen and could there be a chance it could be cancer instead? What stage would I likely to be in if I waited that long and during my prenatal appointments could that tell I have cancer with all the blood work that they do. Could I cause any more damage to my intestines?

Answer
I do not understand why you would have to wait one year for a colonoscopy which is what you do need in order to have your colon checked. With illness you need to have such an examination done at least once a year even if you do not have any symptoms, which you obviously do have right now! Yes ulcerative colitis does increase your risk of colon cancer but it is still much more probable that this is just your colitis, but that too needs to be checked. Why on Earth does she want you to wait? She must have given some sort of reason?
You can also ask for a second opinion!

Colon Cancer

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience with regards to this cancer.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions in these categories: Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Breast Cancer.

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I'm a medical doctor and a specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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