Acromegaly and bowel cancer
As mentioned earlier, people with acromegaly have an increased chance of developing bowel polyps and bowel cancer. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with acromegaly and are aged 40 or more you will normally be offered a routine colonoscopy every 3-5 years. A colonoscopy is test where an operator (a doctor or nurse) looks into your colon (large bowel) with a flexible telescope. It can diagnose bowel problems such as polyps and bowel cancer. This is called bowel screening. The aim is to detect those people who develop cancer as early as possible (before symptoms develop) when the chance of a complete cure is high.
Also, always tell you doctor if you develop any new symptoms from your bowel such as persistent diarrhoea, passing mucus, passing blood, or abdominal pain.
Further help and information
Pituitary Foundation
PO Box 1944, Bristol, BS99 2UB
Tel: 0845 450 0375 Web: www.pituitary.org.uk
Supports patients with any form of pituitary hormone condition, including acromegaly.
© EMIS and PIP 2006
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