Get the test done! My soon-to-be-ex just had approx 12" removed last December, from stage 3B colon cancer. He is fine, but the doctors said had he waited any longer, might have been a different story.
I've not had one, I am 51, but no insurance. But hubby had had 3 done, so I asked him what the prep was like. You hear horror stories about everything. Any bad cramps, etc.? He said no, nothing, just a lot of going to the bathroom. He also discovered if you eat lighter a couple of days beforehand, then the prep goes much quicker, easier. And that really is the worst part of the whole thing, in his experience anyways.
Just think of all the times we have a pelvic done, and don't really think a thing about it. It's just another part of our bodies that need to be checked every now and then. Just seems more nerve wracking cause it's such a 'personal' area, one we're not used to having be messed with.
:)