Living with MBC, did you still get colonoscopies, PAPs?

Posted by eku @eku, Dec 21, 2022

I went to my family Dr and she recommended me to schedule for a colonoscopy. I have MBC and get PET scans every 4 months. Is anyone in this situation getting a colonoscopy? Or pap smear?
Thank you,

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@eku, I’m afraid that having metastatic breast cancer doesn’t exempt one from get another cancer. Hence the recommendation for the colonoscopy I assume. But I’m sure you knew that and I suspect your question is more specifically about living with metastatic cancer and perhaps you’re questioning the necessity of monitoring for other cancers. Well this is certainly a shift from former times. Today, people can live many years with metastatic breast cancer. I might venture to guess that your oncologist wants you to be living with “only” MBC and do want you can to screen for other cancers.

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Thank you @colleenyoung. I think I am confused about the difference of opinion between my family doctor and oncologist. Family dr suggested the colonoscopy, oncologist thinks not necessary. I think family dr recommended it based on the guidelines. I am curious if an issue would show up on the scans.

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@eku

Thank you @colleenyoung. I think I am confused about the difference of opinion between my family doctor and oncologist. Family dr suggested the colonoscopy, oncologist thinks not necessary. I think family dr recommended it based on the guidelines. I am curious if an issue would show up on the scans.

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Ah yes, now I understand. I think you're probably right that your family doctor is basing their referral to a colonoscopy based on standard guidelines for the general public. Whereas your oncologist may be guided by your individual medical status. If you have a chance to ask your doctors the criteria they are using, I'd be interested in learning more.

I assume that your primary care physician knows about your cancer. May I ask how old you are? When did you last have a colonoscopy?

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@colleenyoung

Ah yes, now I understand. I think you're probably right that your family doctor is basing their referral to a colonoscopy based on standard guidelines for the general public. Whereas your oncologist may be guided by your individual medical status. If you have a chance to ask your doctors the criteria they are using, I'd be interested in learning more.

I assume that your primary care physician knows about your cancer. May I ask how old you are? When did you last have a colonoscopy?

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Yes, my PCP knows about my diagnosis. I'm 46, diagnosed at the beginning of this year. Never had a colonoscopy.

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