Scared I Have Colon Cancer - Please Help

[Bims]

Hi,

I am a 22 year old female with no family history of colon cancer or Chron's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis that I know of. I may be a bit paranoid, but I am very worried about my symptoms. Over the last couple of months I have been experiencing changes in my bowel movements. I firstly started having more frequent bowel movements, that varied from loose, watery stool to regular shaped stool (though sometimes it was like a flat sausage). I have had occasional cramps that are relieved when I have a bowel movement and increased gas. However my biggest concern is that for at least two weeks I have had what I think is blood in my stool. My stool is a normal brown colour, but has patches/streaks of dark red material scattered throughout. Its not undigested food pieces but I cant say for sure that it is liquid because it doesnt diffuse into the water (the water has never turned pink). Im also fairly sure that its not haemorrhoids because I have no pain with bowel movements, itching, etc, and the blood is not bright red, its a darker red and seems to be mixed in with the stool. Sometimes it even looks like red strings across the surface of the stool. A few times I've also had what looks like a brownish-dark red mucus attached to my stool. It doesnt happen every time I have a bowel movement, and I have never had blood on the toilet tissue. I have had no nausea, unusual fatigue, appetite loss or weight loss. I have an appointment with my doctor next week but suffer bad anxiety so am hoping for some potential explanations other than cancer before then. Im also a bit worried that my doctor will just dismiss it because Im so young. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[pinklily]

I know how scary the thought of cancer is, I had it !!  I was 45 with no family history and one day I started having bloody (red) stools along with some mucus.  I knew this was not normal so went to my primary doctor.  He did an exam (the first of many) and sent me right away for a colonoscopy.  The results were a large cancerous polyp about 7 inches up.  I had surgery which included the removal of about a foot of my colon and partial rectum but I did not have to have any chemo or radiation.  It has been 6 years since and I remain cancer free.  Three things I would tell you;  the first is don't let your doctor or anyone else keep you from having a colonoscopy, second is learn to leave your dignity at home (probably one of the hardest things to do) as you will have rectal exams (not painful, just embarrasing) and third don't let the scary thought of cancer keep you home, if it is cancer then the sooner they find it the better off you'll be.  Mine was contained within the colon wall and has never come back.

I understand what your situation feels like and hope that I can give you some support.   Hang in there, you are not alone.

pink lily

[Morecambe]

First of all I suggest that you type rectal bleeding into google and click on to one of the many sites - the Medicinenet site is particularly informative.  Then you will be better informed about possible causes when you visit your doctor.  You are very young to have dveeloped colon cancer but there have been (very occasional) cases mentioned in Medhelp where colon cancer has been detected in patients in their 20's.  However, the possibility is remote.

However, I do feel that your doctor (maybe a G.I. specialist??) should offer you a definite diagnosis of your rectal bleeding and, unless the diagnosis of one of the minor causes (e.g. anal fissure, haemorrhoids etc) is definite, then you may wish to ask for a colonoscopy.  A definite diagnosis does not include a statement such as ..." ...well it looks as if it might be .....anal fissure....haemorrhoids....."

regards
Morecambe