Colorectal cancer

[MumZaara]

I am 41 years old diagnosed colorectal cancer from the GP. I have been told to do an urgent colonoscopy and I am so scared. I’ve had stomach pain for months now and loose stools. I also feel very tired and losing a lot of hair. I’m so scared.

I’m sorry you’re going through this.

It’s not normal for a GP to diagnose cancer without tests being done first. Did they say it was a possibility or have you had other tests?

I agree it's surprising to hear a GP diagnosing cancer without tests. Are you sure it's not that they've just put suspected colorectal cancer on the referral to make sure you're seen quickly?

I am a similar age to you and have just been treated for colorectal cancer. I was diagnosed by colonoscopy

Have you had a biopsy?

Sorry you find yourself in this situation
I don’t think a GP could have diagnosed you - presume you are being referred?
Hope you get some answers very soon

This.

They can usually only diagnose after a colonoscopy and other tests.

The fact that you are losing hair suggests you are stressed. It might be stress causing your bowel issues.
please don’t panic before you need to. 9/10 urgent cancer referrals turn out not to be cancer.

Sorry yes possibility

I agree it could also be stress related. You posted recently about TTC for a long time and were worried about test results. Could that stress be causing some issues? I don't think your GP can diagnose cancer without actual tests and biopsies - are you certain this isn't a referral to check this, rather than a formal diagnosis?

There are many, many other things it could be. Don’t panic at this stage.

Either way, always scary to go through tests like this - will keep my fingers crossed that results are clear for you x

It is a big jump to assume you have cancer. The gp has not diagnosed but referred you, perhaps on the two week pathway? Did you have blood tests too?

At this stage there’s no need to worry. Nothing can be diagnosed before a colonoscopy. Have you done a FIT stool sample?

You are waiting for a colonoscopy as an investigation so you don't know what's causing your symptoms yet. The GP has to tell you there is a possibility of cancer as part of their urgent referral for a colonoscopy, its mandated in the guidelines.
This all means there could be many other reasons for your symptoms and with a diagnosis (for example of inflammation of the bowel) you can get some much needed treatment. Try to stay positive. The colonoscopy itself is not usually that bad and you will be offered sedation (if in the UK).

Well firstly that's good, there are loads of things it can be which aren't cancer. In DH's case it actually was, but colorectal cancer is very treatable these days, especially when you're relatively young and they can throw the kitchen sink at you. DH was your age when he was diagnosed and although he was quite far on they managed to get rid of it all.

There's a charity called Maggie's which is really good if you need a sensible, knowledgeable person to talk to about all this. They have centres at some hospitals which you can visit, or you can phone them up. They saved my sanity and DH's, I only wish we'd gone to see them sooner rather than struggling through the first few months alone.

You haven’t been diagnosed with any kind of cancer. The chances are that it’s something completely different and much less serious.

Stomach pains, loose poo and thinning hair can be caused by loads of things (including stress) so please do try not to panic. I know it feels scary, all likelihood you will be fine xx

I had stomach pains, loose stools and hair falling out, I've been diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency and borderline underactive thyroid, colorectal cancer was another possibility but luckily my GP was very clear that it wasn't the likeliest one. I know it's hard but please don't assume the worst.
My friend's sister is coeliac and had very similar symptoms before diagnosis. It's difficult but you've got to wait for the colonoscopy results there are lots of possibilities

I think the GP has done a poor job around communication if your takeaway is that this is likely cancer when very probably (statistically) it is not. Wishing you the best for your tests.

Don’t be scared. A colonoscopy is not a nice experience and I imagine you’re scared of the results. Whatever results it is will be there whether you have the colonoscopy or not. I’ve had the same symptoms as you more than once and I’ve got ulcerative colitis. Your symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer and your GP should not have told you that. Please book it in. The sooner you catch cancer if it is cancer the better.

You haven't been diagnosed by a gp?

Hi,
Have you gone through urine and stool test? My colleague has pain on one side of her abdomen and lost her appetite. She has gone to do a Calprotectin Stool Test, before other tests. Is your stomach pain in the middle or side? Every day, hour? Do you empty your bowel a lot during the day and night?
I hope everything is ok.

They can tell you on day of procedure whether it is cancer so do go through with it.

I personally found the colonoscopy easier compared to woman’s procedures.
It was over in 15 minutes. The worst part is the silly but necessary diet 2-3 days before.

2 out of 3 of my relatives beat this cancer (my gran in 1993 fought it first and got an additional 12 years with us) a lot has come on since the 90’s in terms of treatment.

I think a lot is linked to gut health.

Did you find out what this was? Having same symptoms