Cancer risk

[k2smile76]

I am really concerned about my risk of cancer with CD.
I have cancer on both sides of the family (brain, stomach, bowel, rectal, breast and throat) as well as an uncle with both a brain tumor and CD. Two have died from it. I am also super white and have had multiple full body sunburns as a young child leaving me with many moles and freckles which I have convinced myself are going to grow into melanomas...

My question is, I know my risk of cancer is higher with CD and even higher again with a strong family history on both sides and all the sunburns, am I doomed to get some type of cancer?

 

[mainekitty]

I do think that CD can put you at a higher risk for bowel cancer, but the good thing is that if you see your doctor regularly for your Crohn's you also tend to get more bowel screenings (i.e. colonoscopies) than the general public, so I would think that the likelihood of you catching cancer and treating it might in fact be better than average.

 

[Manzyb]

I tend to agree with mainekitty. I've often worried about risks of cancers with the disease and all the medications that say can cause cancer that we take. I know I am always having labs drawn, ct scans and all sorts of things, that if I do end up getting cancer, I'm fairly certain that it will be caught pretty quickly.

 

[deb123]

Having Psoriasis as well as Crohns i have spent alot of time in the Dermatology Dept at my local hospital.
From what i have seen and been told early detection of suspicious moles or freckles is vital.
If you have any moles or freckles that have changed in anyway get them checked out. Or if you have any other cancer concerns speak to your GP about them. Thats what the Doctors are there for, and a problem shared and all that.
Really if you are worried, let a Doctor hear your concerns. You will feel so much better for it, and the stress of worrying about this sort of thing is not good for you.

Its good though that you are vigilant and aware, rather than ignoring things. If worried get it checked out.

Ive been totally stressed about illness at times, and i know that if you share your concerns it definitely helps, and you can get the support you need

Best wishes to you,
Deb.