Bowel cancer test ?

[Cathaka15]

Should I push the GP for bowel cancer test ? I went in today as I've been having abdominal pain and blood when I wipe and feeling very tired. She checked me over she said I'm probably conctipated and need a cleanse. I've heard people have been mis diagnosed with bowel cancer till it's too late. I've had these symptoms on and off for a year now. I'm 38.

Yes, I think you should ask for a referral. Bowl cancer is less common in your age group but if I had those symptoms, particularly the tiredness I would want to see someone other than the GP. Do not be fobbed off.

Did she not suggest a blood test as you are feeling tired?

She said she would do a thyroid test.

Yes I would push for a referral to a gastroenterologist although I didn't know tiredness was a symptom of bowel cancer.

Yes definitely push for further tests. And tiredness is a significant symptom. Probably nothing, but, if it is, best treated early.

Check out Beating Bowel Cancer website and forum for more information. Best wishes

Yes, I would - or go privately if not available.

Yes I would push.

My DH is currently in hospital recovering from bowel cancer surgery.
His only symptoms were a need to go, but not being able to produce much, and pain. No blood, and he had boundless energy. He was told constipation, but went back after a week and demanded a referral as the laxatives didn't make any difference. By then his blood tests were in and showed low iron levels.

Hopefully your doctor will have requested more than just thyroid levels. Did they feel your stomach, and give you a rectal exam?

There could be lots of other explanations for your symptoms too though, so try not to worry.

You can bet a fecal occult blood test at the surgery. Little kit you take home and return. Shows up blood and if positive with a change in bowel habit should instigate a referral to a gastro enterologist. Likely colonoscopy.

I forgot to say, I have had all 3 of your symptoms, sometimes together, sometimes separately, and have been diagnosed with diverticulitis.

The only check she did was to feel my lower left abdominal area where the pain was. She said its definitely my poo stuck in my bowel and prescribed me movacol. then said the tiredness could be due to my thyroid functions as I have put an a lot of weight recently. But I was thinking shouldn't she just send me off for a colonoscopy? I've had these symptoms for nearly a year now.

Silverbat- hope your Dh recovers well and has no more issues. Thank you for your comment.
I will call GP on Monday and see what they say.

The Movicol might take a few days to work, and make sure you drink loads of water.

If you are worried please do push for the referral. I have had diarrhoea for 7 months every day with blood and every other symptom you can think of and am only seeing the gastro specialist this week despite forcing the issue with countless doctors. Keep pushing til you get something

Not to frighten you but my sister was fobbed off by her GP, she was 34 when diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. She's still with us, thanks to living overseas with an exemplary private healthcare package. Push for a definitive answer, either by blood tests or by a colonoscopy.