Worried I've Got Bowel Cancer

[Stone80]

I am 27 years old and since the start of December I've had very painful tummy pains, a mixutre of the runs and then cant go at all! I've also had sore headaches, fever and feeling run down. I had a blood test weeks ago to run out any tummy bugs, it was normal. I am havin another blood test tomorrow, a scan on Jan 7th and a camera up my backside to see whats going on. There is no history of cancer in my family and my doctor told me it's rare. What esle could be causing this?!? Any help would be grateful

[Stone80]

Thanks for the post. I had a blood test today to see whats going on. The scan is still set for Jan 7th. Maybe that will show up anything wrong

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  A lot of conditions can result in tummy pains associated with alternating constipation and loose stools, and fever.  An infection still can't be ruled out just because the initial blood tests were negative.  Possible infectious causes would include typhoid, E. coli, or even amoebiasis.  Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease also have to be considered.  Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where the bowel becomes overly sensitive and excessively contracts even to mild stimuli, causing cramping and diarrhea. Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic illness which results in swelling of portions of the intestines.  As for cancer, the probability that you have it at this time is pretty low.  It is good that you are having those diagnostic tests done soon, so you'll know what the problem is.