To let them know, or not.

Personally I would wait on the results before saying anything to them. As I wouldn't want them to worry unnecessarily. Or I'd say "I'm having some tests as they think I might have colitis" I wouldn't mention cancer if it was me. Colitis whilst very unpleasant, is far less worrying.

I sincerly hope it isn't anything serious.

I think you have answered your own question, Kiwibird.
Many of us forget our kids are adults at times!

Just tell them what is going on so that if, hopefully, all is well, you can celebrate it. If it turns out to be cancer, at least they have been prepared.
Hope all goes well for you. ?

I was in your position and had to have a colonoscopy, I did not tell DC that I was having the procedure but did tell them when I got the diagnosis. My thoughts are that they have enough day to day worries without having us in the equation, DH is the same and will not tell them them that he is ill.

Personally I would wait until the tests were done and I knew what the problem was, I see no point in worrying anyone else. We are a family who go and sort our own problems out, but I know some families like to share all problems and concerns over everything. It's really down to what makes you feel comfortable to share.
Hope the results show nothing too serious.

I would wait. There is a saying "Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you"! I had a colonoscopy last year but I didn't tell my children. My son, particularly, would have had it on his mind like a great weight and I wanted to spare him that until I found out whether there was anything to worry about. As it was, there was nothing to worry about. Had it not been the case, I would have told them then. I too hope you get a good outcome.

I would wait for the results, as I did when I was called back after breast screening.
I hope the colonoscopy turns out to show nothing serious. Don't worry about the procedure, it is not as bad as it sounds!

I would wait until I had the results of the colonoscopy. There's no need to worry the boys over something that might turn out to be entirely manageable. I was in a similar position a couple of years ago with a breast cancer scare. I didn't tell either of my children until I had the all clear. It was a cyst, not a tumour. Good luck with your procedure, I hope all turns out well.

I would tell them now.

Having had a colonoscopy recently I would advise taking the sedation if they offer it. I was out for the count during the procedure. I can't really advise whether you should tell your family or not, but all my family knew i was having mine.

As you got the reaction you did last time I think I would tell them you have to have a colonoscopy but not mention anything about cancer, err towards the irritable bowel side of things. I can see part of your problem is you are not face to face, I find I usually have to tell then as apparently my face says it all. Good luck.

I agree with not telling them about the colonoscopy. It's a simple routine which I've had twice, and usually reveals nothing sinister, so to prevent worrying them I would say nothing unless you get a diagnosis of something more serious..

Good luck I hope whatever is causing your discomfort is easily remedied

I had one for colitis a few years ago ,didn't say anything until the result confirmed the colitis ,though they knew something was wrong as I practically lived in the loo,mine is under control now and I'm much better and to be honest we mostly forget I have it .So dont say anything until you have a result for them

I'm on the side of letting them know, my DD lives in Australia and we always confide in each other along with my eldest DD of any hospital apps or procedures. It's not about worrying them it's about preparing them rather than just saying oh I went to hospital and unfortunately I have this.I feel you have to remember as we get older things start to go wrong and they will be aware of that. I would be very sad if my DDs didn't inform me of these things. Stop holding back as one day you may need there support and they may not be prepared especially as you live in different countries.Wish you well with the procedure.

I had a colonoscopy last year (with a gastroscopy for good measure), after only two weeks of waiting time as there was a suspicion of cancer. I did tell my sons what was going on. I was quite upset when I found that DS2 had, the previous year, had investigations for suspected lymphoma and hadn't wanted to worry me. Fortunately in both our cases, the investigations showed nothing amiss.

Incidentally, I had a printout of the results of the procedure before I left the hospital.

Well Kiwibird, If your DSs lived locally, would you mention it to them? I think you have to remove the fact that you live in different countries and behave exactly as you would if you saw them more frequently. A colonoscopy is a pretty common procedure and your instinct not to mention it is probably correct.

Tell them...simples. You know that is the answer anyway

You MUST,MUST,MUST tell them. Don't tell them the worst case scenario at the moment, just that you need to have this operation then if it is bad news you can tell them then. They need never know that you knew the worst case.

Kiwibird I have had exactly the same reaction from the DD but I still am not sure which is the best way to proceed - whether you should mention the test in a matter-of-fact way or not to say anything until you know the results.

Sorry not to be much help but I know my DD were very upset not to have been told from the beginning and so I told them all when DH had to go for a colonoscopy (results were fine btw).

and I hope all goes well with you test and the results are fine.

Went thru same investigations .Didnt tell anyone still haven't .Their concerns and worries would have only added to my stress .Nothing dire found .
So my advice wait .

I would say something along the lines of

"Thought I had better let you know I am going for a (whatever it is, whenever it is). It's probably IBS - will keep you informed, don't want to get told off again!"

They will be as aware as you are it could be something else so will be prepared for any end result.

Oh come on. They are big boys and should be told the facts as they are now and the results in the future. It's a bit insulting to keep. news like that from your adult children. You are treating then like children, they are not , they are grown men.

If it was me having a colonoscopy I would wait until after the procedure. However, in your instance, as they were upset that you didn't tell them about your previous problem, I would tell them that you are going to have a colonoscopy without mentioning cancer.