Diaerrhea, Constipation w/ blood in stools

Hi, I am a 31 year-old male who has recently been experiencing some problems with my toilet habits. Firstly, about  month ago I attended a wedding and suffered some food poisioning, with this I get bad diaerrhea for about 3 weeks. Then since the last week I have been suffering from constipation. Now I have also noticed then when I do go to the toilet there is blood in my stools. It is a dark colour, so it seems to be coming from somewhere deeper. Obviously, this has got my slighty worried. I have been to the doctor yesterday and prescribed me a strong laxitive and took some blood tests. My quesion is - WHAT MARKERS IN BLOOD ARE EFFECTED BY CANCERS? I heard there is higher levels of white blood cells but is there anything else?

Abit of back ground on me - I am of indian descent but was born and live in UK. I have been involved in bodybuilding for about the last 10 years therefore have taken many supplement type drinks and consistanly consumed a high protein diet.

If it is something serious then I am assuming it may be down to my lifestyle choices. But at the same time I do feel I am fairly young to be suffering form these types of problems. Fingers crossed its not serious! Thanks for reading and any feedback would be much appricated!

[mammo]

Food poisoning will not cause diarrhea for 3 weeks.  You really need to see a Gastroenterologist to get a colonoscopy to view the colon and see what's going on, it may be wise to also have an Endoscopy to view the stomach.  A high white blood cell count can mean many things, and I'm surprised that your doctor jumped to blood work before doing any scoping.  Below is a site that explains why blood work is ordered and what they're looking for.  Hope this helps and I wish you all the best.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-diagnosis/CA00028

[Phatfarm1980]

Thanks for the reply. I got my bloods back and they were normal. But ive heard this dosent rule out cancer all together. My toilet problems continue

[mammo]

Did your doctor refer you to a Gastroenterologist?  This should have been  the first thing he did, and now it's imperative that you see one since this is their specialty.  Don't get caught up in this being cancer as there are many other causes things that can cause your symptoms.  See a GI doc so you can find out what is going on and get peace of mind.

[Phatfarm1980]

No he hasnt referred me. I am seeing him again on Wednesday hopefully he will then

[mammo]

If he doesn't refer you then you need to ask him to.  If he won't call a GI doctor and schedule the appt. yourself and have all your test results sent to the GI doctor.

[Phatfarm1980]

Yes, thats what other people have told me to do. Thanks for your advice :)

[Pattsky]

Get a colonoscopy done!!  You're not too young for cancer. They take biopsies during a colonoscopy so most likely will get you some answers and if nothing eles will relieve your mind that it's not cancer.