Cancer or hypochondriac

[pinkshoes87]

I am really worried my GP will think I'm exaggerating

I'm 36. For a long time I've had bowel habit changes, from soft to normal to soft. For a few months now it's always soft and narrow stools. No blood.

I have started having bloating which is uncomfortable and some tummy pain. Not all the time, but on occasion.

Also have a lot of wind. Occasionally diarrhoea.

I spoke to my friend who suggested maybe IBS, but I'm terrified it's bowel cancer and will go unnoticed.

I'm also slightly anaemic according to recent bloods and my GP wants to talk to me about my recent bloods which has panicked me. He's booked me in for the 19th.

AIBU to think cancer.. or it's anxiety...

Sounds like you are automatically thinking of the worst case scenario. There are lots of other possibilities before cancer including a new allergy, dietary issues, ibs etc. The only way to find out is to go and get checked

Also meant to say I too get anxiety with health so completely understand how your mind is working right now - I get a chest pain and practically kiss my other half goodbye thinking ill be gone by the morning so I know how the anxiety feels.

The only way to know is to do what you’re doing and speak to your GP. I am currently having treatment for bowel cancer and the only symptom I had was anaemia but mine was severe.

My only advice is don’t let your GP dismiss your concerns due to you being too young. Bowel cancer is increasing in younger people so it is definitely something that needs to be investigated (and hopefully ruled out).

I think your doctor would have called you in much sooner if he suspected anything sinister.Try and not to worry too much, you are on the right path and I'm sure will get to the bottom of this soon enough x

It could be any number of things , get it investigated as knowing what you have is the beginning of dealing with it .

You most likely have an intolerance like Coeliac or an IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
My daughter has both as does a good friend. You could look up your symptoms on something like Guts Uk (i think it’s called)

They are quite common these days and more probable than cancer particularly at your age. Does your bloating and soft stools increase after eating certain foods? I’d give a food diary a go.

The reality is no one here can tell you either way. It could be something else or cancer. The only way you will know is speak to the GP and ask for tests. Any ongoing changes should be raised. As others have said don't let them fob you off. Have a look at the bowel cancer uk forum they have a discussion board for people worried about cancer and some really great people who have been through not just those diagnosed but also people worried about bowel changes.
Whatever happens wishing you well x

I'd suggest cutting out gluten but if the dr wants to test you for celiac then you will need gluten in your system. My 12 year old son has been having problems after eating for a while (minimum of a year) and we have just cut out gluten on the drs advice and his stomach has gone back to normal. However, if we want him tested for celiac (as opposed to just an intolerance) he would need to start eating gluten again which is supposed to hit you harder after stopping eating it. Cancer is by far the least likely option for you and there are loads of more likely explanations.

I had similar symptoms and my spoke to my GP who referred me to a specialist.
I did have to pay to go private to avoid waiting times but the specialist was incredible and said the symptoms could be a million things but he advised to get a scope for peace of mind.
He also said bowel cancer is very treatable and we would be better to know now or to cross it off the list.
I would absolutely recommend seeing a specialist

At your age cancer is unlikely (not impossible). There are many other things that could be the problem. If the doctor suggests cancer they refer you on quite quickly!

Hello. I had all your problems and I was diagnosed with pancreatic insufficiency. I got put on tablets. It took the doctors a long time to find this out, as your symptoms can mean almost anything! Personally, I think it is VERY VERY VERY UNLIKELY to be cancer. In a way, it is good that you are getting blood tests done and seeing a doctor.

Op how are you doing?

I just googled this and my symptoms match that!!

Thanks everyone. I spoke to the doctor today and he's doing a full blood work up as I'm anaemic. He says it's unlikely but not unheard of to be bowel cancer, he will reassess me when the blood results are in

Just a word of warning: when I googled my symptoms, I had everything under the sun. In fact, almost every single disease/ailment seems to include things like bloating, stomach pains, irregular bowel movements.

If you are getting the blood tests done, I wonder if they are also doing a stool test? I even had to do a couple to get to the heart of my problem. A stool test could also check for microscopic blood in your stool, if you wanted to rule out bowel cancer (I think, I am not a doctor), although blood does not automatically = cancer anyway.

I hope you are not worrying too much. Try not to stress out and try to do things that keep your body occupied. xxx

Stop Googling anything and actually, stop posting on here, because you'll get yourself trapped in a reassurance loop. Just see your doctor when the time comes.

As others have said, your chances of cancer, given your age etc, are statistically vanishingly low, but the only person who can inform you fully is a medical professional, so I would really highly recommend stepping away from the internet and finding something else to occupy your time.

Op sounds good from your update! Best of luck!

update Pls ? Exactly the same symptoms? Would be grateful if you could share what was the outcome

@S22 just make a doctors appointment. I recently had a colonoscopy for loose and hard stools, loud constant noises coming from my gut & white mucus in stools.
Of course google told me bowel cancer.
My FIT test (blood in stool) was negative, my stool inflammation test was negative and my colonoscopy was all fine. Couldn't find a reason for the mucus but apparently it can be normal.
Stool consistency was my diet.
If you're worried see your GP.

thank you for reply x