Bowel cancer worries

[notapt2023]

NC for obvious reasons.

Early 40s. Female. For a while now, I've had loose stools - mainly in the morning. Usually only go once a day. Very rarely do I have 'normal' stools and if so would be later in the day. I do drink coffee first thing (and two more spaced over the day).

In the last couple of weeks this has become worse/looser and I'm fretting about BC. I'm going to call the GP tomorrow (so so embarrassed about this and there's only one doctor I'd be prepared to speak to but she's rarely available).

I wouldn't say I have any other symptoms. I feel tired today but that's from a couple of wakes overnight (young child).

Can anyone offer advice or has been through similar?

Going to the doctor is the right thing to do.

It’s unlikely to be anything serious but loose stools (without any other signs like cramps etc) and then bloating were my only signs of cancer. Ovarian not bowel, aged 36. Getting these things that seem minor checked saves lives, so please do get checked. Again though, other causes are way more likely!

Thank you for replying @AGreatUsername

Do you remember how long you left it before seeking advice? And from that point was it a long wait to be investigated?

I’d had loose stools for about 6 weeks by the time I saw the GP. I initially thought it was a bug as I did have a few days of feeling unwell but then I was fine and it was the once daily loose stools with none of the urge to go or other things you normally associate with that.

Because I mentioned the bloating too she requested blood tests including one that flags ovarian cancer (OC is notoriously sneaky with vague symptoms) which came back with 48 hours and I was immediately referred for a scan on the 2 week pathway. It was all very quick, the NHS is just amazing (well it has been for me) even when they’re so under pressure. Are loose stools your only symptom? No loss of appetite (not eating the same size portions etc), heartburn, extra getting up in the night for a wee?

Thank you again!

I would say I first noticed this a couple of years ago but spoke to a dismissive doctor at the time and was put off asking again as it took a lot of courage to tell them in the first place.

I get up for a wee every night without fail but it's been like that my whole life! Appetite hasn't changed. When I need to go there is the urge. Never really experienced heartburn.

I run every day (only 5k) and drink 3 coffees daily too and been telling myself that's just the way my body is but the last few days it's been almost like stomach upset and it's starting to freak me out

@notapt2023 How did you get on? Did you get to the bottom of your symptoms?