Should I Be Concerned About Colon Cancer?
I’m a 36-year-old male, tall at 6’3” and weighing 220 lbs. I don’t smoke and my ethnicity is Caucasian. I have been experiencing frequent diarrhea for the last 15 years, along with occasional heartburn that has persisted for over a decade. I’m uncertain if there’s any family history of gastrointestinal cancers. Since at least February 2025, I've been dealing with low iron levels. While I have not noticed any blood in my stool recently, there was an incident about 18 months ago where I believe it occurred due to straining excessively during a bowel movement. This past February, I went for a routine blood test, which revealed that my iron levels were low. My general practitioner raised concerns and referred me to a gastroenterologist. After a check-up in March and discussing my long-term use of Excedrin (around 12 tablets a day), the gastroenterologist concluded that my low iron levels were likely due to high aspirin usage, advising me to stop taking any aspirin immediately. Although I was scheduled for a follow-up appointment in August, that gastroenterologist left the practice for further education. Now, my current gastroenterologist is recommending both an endoscopy and a colonoscopy out of concern for potential colon cancer. I recently had my iron levels reassessed (still awaiting the results), but two weeks ago I started a prescribed regimen of meloxicam (15mg) and was unaware that it could also lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, I will cease taking meloxicam right away and will have my iron levels checked again in just a week. I feel overwhelmed with fear and frustration. It dawned on me that my former gastroenterologist hadn’t even retested my iron levels and expressed confidence that things were fine. However, my new doctor is treating the situation as if it’s critical. He noted that even with the Excedrin intake, such a low iron level (12 ng/ml) shouldn't be normal. I am left wondering what to think given all these developments?
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 5:20:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed given your medical history and the recent recommendations from your doctors. Let's break this down to clarify your situation and the steps you can take to address your concerns about colon cancer and your overall health.
Main Points:
- Frequent Diarrhea and Low Iron Levels: These symptoms may require further investigation during your upcoming procedures.
- Colon Cancer Screening: The recommendation for both endoscopy and colonoscopy is a common approach to assess gastrointestinal issues, particularly in the context of your symptoms and low iron levels.
- Medications and Their Effects: It's wise to stop taking meloxicam and aspirin as both can contribute to gastrointestinal bleeding, affecting your iron levels.
Explanation:
- Frequent Diarrhea: This can be caused by various factors, including conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. Your long-term experience suggests that this needs to be evaluated.
- Low Iron Levels: Iron deficiency anemia can arise from internal bleeding or chronic inflammation, among other causes. The fact that you've been experiencing this alongside gastrointestinal symptoms makes screening necessary to rule out serious conditions like cancer.
- Colonoscopy and Endoscopy: These tests are important tools for investigating the health of your gastrointestinal tract. They can help identify any abnormalities, including polyps or signs of cancer.
Next Steps:
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Communicate with Your Current Gastroenterologist: Express your concerns clearly during your next appointment. Be open about your previous experiences and ask questions about the rationale behind these procedures.
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Complete the Recommended Tests: Schedule and prepare for the colonoscopy and endoscopy. These procedures will help identify or rule out any significant health issues.
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Manage Iron Levels: Follow your doctor’s advice regarding iron supplementation, especially since you've seen a decline in your levels. Once your test results come in, discuss a plan to effectively address any deficiencies.
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Stop Meloxicam Immediately: As you mentioned, discontinue meloxicam and avoid any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless directed otherwise.
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Track Symptoms and Changes: Maintain a journal of your symptoms, iron levels, and any changes in your gastrointestinal health. This can be helpful for your doctor to understand the scope of your condition.
Reassurance:
It's understandable to feel concerned about what these tests may reveal. However, being proactive by following through with the recommended procedures is a positive step towards addressing your health worries. You're taking the correct steps by seeking further evaluation and managing your medications. Remember, your healthcare team is there to support you through this process. Stay focused on your health and well-being, and reach out for help if your anxiety becomes too great.
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