I'm in my mid-50's and my mother died of colon cancer at age 73. My doctor has never indicated that it is necessary for me to have testing done besides the "strip" of paper test. I remember the doctors saying if my mother had done the testing earlier she could have survived. do doctor's wait for patients to say they want one or are there symptoms they go by?

Actually, there are prevention guidelines for individuals with a family history, they are recommended by like American Cancer Society

shen-nong.com/eng/health/colo…

help find a cure……………boinc.bakerlab.org/rosetta/

I'm not really sure, but some American books I have read recommend a colonoscopy for healthy persons every 2 years. My friend is 21 and recently had surgery and chemotherapy to treat colon cancer, he and his -parents now have to have a colonoscopy every year to make sure they dont get it. I think that pushing your doctor for a colonoscopy would be a good idea. after all, colonoscopies are generally painless and the best way of detecting any signs of cancer. they can also remove polyps etc. I think it would be very worthwhile consulting your doctor about this. Good luck!

My mom had colon cancer at 76. She had a tumour that was malignant. an operation was performed and the tumour was removed and biopsies showed no more signs of cancer. I requested that I have a Colonoscopy at the age of 54 due to cancers being on 2 generations of my family, and yet I have no ill symptoms. I have an appointment for a Colonoscopy next month.

Colon Cancer symptoms one can have is bleeding from the rectum or severe pains. My mom never had any symptoms at all – it was accidentally found through ultrasound. then a Coloscopy confirmed that it was 98% cancerous by the Specialist before biopsies were done.

In most cases, doctors will not suggest that you have a Colonoscopy done. You have to request it based on your concerns.

Best way to beat colon cancer is to prevent it. Strip of paper test is ok (they actually check for blood in yout ****, as that can be a sign of cancer) but the best thing is to get a colonoscopy done. It is generally recommened at age 50and then every 10 yrs

The link has info on family history, best test (colonoscopy), symptoms, and other info. Early stages usually have no symptoms. Waiting to detect blood could be waiting too long — colo-rectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths. Don't wait. Insist on a colonoscopy by an experienced doctor. Good luck to you.