Scared i have cancer

Hi . Im a 38 y.o male and for the last 3 months iv been having abdominal discomfort with back pain and inconsistent stool. Iv also been having uti problems than wont clear (have a urology appointment 7th November) iv sent stool sample off that came back at calprotectin 112 the dr said thats fine as im on omazoparole and because of my age it doesn't warrant anymore investigate as my bloods are normal. My problem is its really effecting my mental health and all everyone wants to talk about is my health anxiety and not my symptoms. I dont no what to do and it feels like im not coping. Iv been given a number to talk to someone but its my symptoms im worrying about .

  • If you feel like your concerns have been brushed off as nothing to worry about, and you are not convinced, you are well within your rights to seek a second opinion from another gp. It's you that has to live with the worry or any consequences should a second doctor think it warrants further investigation. Personally, if it was me, I'd seek a second opinion.

    I'm not suggesting the first doctor is incorrect, he probably isn't, but there are a fair few folk on here that wish they had sought a second opinion after the event. I've always said, i think the younger you are, the more of a disadvantage you have when it comes to receiving the attention some symptoms warrant. Whether you're 18, 28, 38 or 78 we should all be afforded the same level of attention. Basically, me being 48, I would be treated better than you.

  • Thank you for replying. Im even considering private ct/mri as its if im not been listened to. Chances are i am been overly paranoid but its doing my head in. Its effecting my day to day life over the last few weeks. Google as had its effects on me but its the only place iv been left to find answers 

  • If you have to wait right till November ,as you say it might be worthwhile going private ,It won't be easy waiting till November if you are already worrying now ,It could be money well spent even if it turns out you were just being paranoid at least you'll know then you can get on with your life ,also if they do find something wrong you'll find out sooner  .

  • Hello EBJ1414 and thanks for posting, 

    I am sorry to learn about these symptoms that are worrying you. Unexplained symptoms can cause a fair bit of worry but a lot of the time something other than cancer is causing them. 

    Worry about health/health anxiety is quite a common mental health problem which is probably why your GP has raised it as a possibility, but it sounds like they have also arranged tests to look into what is going on and made a urology referral. 

    There are guidelines for GPs about when to refer a patient urgently because cancer is suspected. Even so, most people referred according to the guidelines don't turn out to have cancer. It doesn't sound like your urology referral is urgent which would be a good thing because it would mean your GP doesn't suspect cancer although I can appreciate that this means a longer time waiting which is seldom easy for anyone who is worried. 

    Paying for private health care is always an option, but it can be expensive and doctors usually have to agree with any tests you think you need to have.

    We usually suggest not to look symptoms up on Google as most people tend to go around in circles without being much the wiser which can make them fret more. 

    Sometimes with the GP it can help to be really direct and tell them what you are concerned about and ask if they can explain their thinking about it.  As you are having to wait, it might help to talk to someone about feeling anxious, there may be some tips that would make life a bit easier and help you to cope until you see the urologist. 

    Please do give us a ring if you want to talk anything over, the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9-5, weekdays.

    Best wishes, 

    Julia

  • Thank you julia. I feel a little better reading your reply. Iv ask the dr over and over and im told il have to wait for urology to investigate. Because its been on going for 3 months i believe iv developed health anxiety and im scared about every ache and pain now. Im sure your right and google defiantly hasn't helped .