I think I have bowel cancer

[AlexaAmbidextra]

Several family members on my Dad’s side, including DF have had it. I’ve had lower left abdominal discomfort for some time that comes and goes. For the last few weeks it’s been there pretty much all the time. I’ve had several bouts of diarrhoea during this time which seems to have been brought on after a meal out, so more food than usual. Now to top it all I’ve just done the NHS bowel cancer screen and I’ve got to repeat the test as the result was ‘unclear’ which implies there may have been a small amount of blood detected.

Don’t really know why I’m posting here as I know what I have to do. I’ve always had a feeling I would get this. I’ve more or less been expecting it. I’m a retired nurse so I know there are other things it could be but I have a bad feeling about it.

Don’t panic. Do the repeat test. I have had this several times for smears and it is just due to the sample.

Yes, please don't worry. The whole idea behind these tests is because if they catch it early its a very treatable cancer. However as Molly says it may be something as simple as the sample.

I would go and see your GP, tell them symptoms and family history and they may refer you for a colonoscopy. It's normally something much more innocent but best to get checked properly.

Try not to panic. Get the repeat test done. See GP and request a colonoscopy. Best to cover all bases asap. If it is getting early treatment can cure. If it isn't by doing tests above you rule it out and relieve your fears asap. As you say, as a nurse, you know the repeat test could be for all sorts of reasons. Very best wishes.

To put a positive spin on it because you are so hyper aware due to family history you are ahead of the game, if it did turn out to be bowel cancer you have acted quickly and as you know caught early it’s curable, however your symptoms could be so many, many other things I think you are immediately feeling it’s BC because of your family history and not necessarily a sixth sense. I am surprised though that as you have a strong family history that you are not having A regular colonoscopy as a matter of course (speaking as someone who has regular colonoscopies due to family history).

Go to your GP and get tested- DH has ulcerative colitis and the symptoms are very similar - I also have a friend with crohns syndrome who is the same- you need a colonoscopy asap

I would go straight to your GP: you should always go to the GP if you have a history of bowel cancer and are experiencing symptoms. It’s probably not anything but you have symptoms that need addressing.

Also they may want to asses wether your family need testing for lynch syndrome if that’s not already done, so that in itself would warrant a GP visit.

Good luck op. Have read that you are a retired nurse and you said you know what you need to do. It’s much harder from the patient perspective though isn’t it. Sending good wishes your way.

As an aside screening is for people without symptoms. Where I am we use same test for screening and people with symptoms, but the cut off for further investigation is much lower for patients with symptoms. So anyone with gut symptoms, don’t put off seeing your Gp even if your screening test is okay!

AlexaAmbidextra Any update? X

My two subsequent lots of bowel tests came back normal which I know isn’t absolute proof but made me happier and my abdominal pain resolved of it’s own accord. Ashamed to say I didn’t go to my GP which I should have done but all now well, for the time being at least. Thank you for asking.

Glad to hear you're OK, OP.

Glad to hear your update Alexa.

With your family history it could be an idea to be tested for Lynch syndrome as you may then be put on a screening programme.
DH has Lynch syndrome and has had bowel cancer and will continue to have regular screening.
Bowel cancer UK have further information.

Maybe you could follow up and they might start screening with colonoscopies earlier based on your family history. - they can remove small polyps during it. My DH has this due to having IBD. might be an idea.