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 .

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  • 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 .

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  • 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 .

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