When I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer I was totally asymptomatic. No problems at all. So it really hit out the blue. Colon Cancer (the number 2 leading cause of death by cancer) used to be a disease that hit people in their 60s and 70s. My doctors all told me I was young to have this. But it is striking people younger and younger. I have spoken to people in their 30s with Colon Cancer. So your age does not matter.

Symptoms:
People who have any of the following symptoms should check with their doctors, especially if they are over 40 years old or have a personal or family history of the disease:
*A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days.
*Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
*Cramping or gnawing stomach pain
Although other conditions such as infections, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease can cause these same symptoms, it is important to talk to the doctor since finding colorectal cancer early makes successful treatment more likely. It is also possible to have colon cancer and not have any symptoms.
Cancer can be found early if people report any symptoms right away to their doctors.

Causes:
The exact cause of most colorectal cancer is unknown, but some of the known risk factors -- aging, family history, poor diet, and physical inactivity are the most likely causes. Less than 10 percent of colorectal cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations.
People with a family history of colorectal cancer, may wish to consider genetic testing. The ACS recommends that anyone undergoing such tests have access to a physician or geneticist qualified to explain the significance of these test results.

If you leave here with nothing else, please make sure you have yourself checked for this at your next physical. Use every advantage you can to catch it as early as possible.

Some of my family and friends may also add some of their feelings, fears and encouraging words. I thank each of you for your love, support and encouragement. The journey would be harder without you.