The other end...
 

Hello All,

Just wondering if anyone (Even those under 40) have gotten a colonoscopy done as a result of their Breast Cancer DX. My oncologist did not suggest it, but my gynocologist did. I have put it off, almost a year now. (With no good reason I might add) I did do the other suggestion, which was go to a dermatologist for a complete skin check.

Well, Just wondering.......

Thanks in advance for your thoughts

I did and am glad I did, cause there were 6 polyps found, all of them were benign. Had I waited, no telling what they would have been.

Yes I did
 

Hi Susan,

Yes, I did. Not on the advice of my onc. or gyn. though. I went to a GI doc because of some digestive issues and she, when learning of my breast cancer diagnosis, wanted an abdominal CT scan done and a colonoscopy. I am glad I had both. It was good to get the all clear in those areas. HOWEVER, they did fine 4 polyps and one of them was a pre-cancerous lesion. So, it was a GOOD thing I didn't wait until age 50.

I am 48 now and had the colonoscopy at age 47.

Go for it.....it was a piece of cake..............The prep. is way worse than the actual procedure as anyone who has had it will tell you.

Hugs to you.....

Mary Jo

I did and I also went to the dermatologist for a skin check.

Karen

None of my doctors suggested this. I have thought about it though. Are the recommendations different for colon cancer screening if you've had breast cancer? Is there a link between the two? I had asked my onc. about a possible link and he said no.

Because of my BRCA2 gene, it is recommended I get annual skin exams and a colonoscopy every 5 yrs instead of 10.

I have had three colonoscopies early on before BC due to brothers colon ca diagnosis ...found precancerous polyps twice and last one was clear...have 3 more years before I need another one. Piece of cake...REALLLY!
Hugs,Marcia

Hi Susan-
just found this thread. My oncologist asked me if I ever had a colonoscopy & was glad that I did or she would recommend one. I had a colonoscopy done at the age of 36 two years b/4 being diagnosed b/c of digestive issues and they found a benign polyp. Also, I went for a skin check last month and ended up with a basal cell carcinoma on my scalp. Was told the skin cancer was caused many years of sun burns on where I usually part my hair.

The colonoscopy is not a big deal but I found the prep to be difficult. Nothing but clear broths, liquids and jello the day b/4. You also have be careful with what colors you drink and what color jello you eat.

Good luck,

Liz

No...No one has recommended it yet. I'm sure it will be coming soon as I will be reaching the baseline age. Yikes, I can't even bear to type that #. I don't know of any clear links, there are some studies that say BC people have a greater risk of other cancers. I don't know if the percentage rate is enough to be worried about. I guess it depends on your whole health history. Bev

Do you still need a colonoscopy if you are having PET/CT scans every 6 months? My GP said no. I am due for a colonoscopy now, I had one done 5 years ago. My gynolocologist told me there was no need for pap smears because I was having the best tests done to detect cancer already (pet scans). I know there's different opinions on this. I am going to ask my oncologist about it tuesday. I would rather go ahead and have it done anyway because I don't know if PET/CTS detect polyps and I'd rather catch it before it was cancer...sherryg683