Hi Daisy,

Cancer is predominantly a disease of old age - the older we get, the more of our cells are likely to mutate and become cancerous.

I’m sure you know that scientific information but that won’t stop you feeling anxious if your brain is wired that way. 

You definitely should talk to your GP and your parents or guardian if that’s a possibility.

Health anxiety is as real a problem as cancer, please don’t ignore your symptoms and ask for help.

Good luck.
Dave

Thank you, 

Yes, you are right, my anxiety is definitely causing me more problems now than any possible disease I may, or most likely don’t, have.

But, like you said, it is hard to switch my mindset when I’m hardwired to think ‘the chances may be low, but I am convinced that I will be that small percentage of people who get it young’

It strange that I am so convinced that it will be me, because I can’t tell the future, but still I am. 

The odds of bowel cancer at your age are even lower than a small percentage. This site has stats and the number per 100,000 in 15-19 year olds is literally 0 on the graph. The number per 100,000 in 20-25 year olds is 1.

Your bowel problems are probably anxiety but if they continue, you could always check it out with your GP. Not because it could be cancer; it almost certainly isn't. But there is a small chance it's something like IBS or lactose intolerance or celiac disease or something that might require investigation. But bowel cancer is highly unlikely.

And while I'm no expert, I don't think skin cancer presents as red dots. 

Thank you all for your advice!

I’ve spoken with my mother and we are currently trying to call the doctor about my symptoms, but haven’t told her about what me and my counsellor discussed yet, I’m too nervous.

I’m so scared to go to the doctors, I haven’t been to the doctors for myself before, and I don’t know what to expect. I’m so scared that it’s going to be serious and that I’m going to have to drop out of my A-levels.

I know it’s not the end of the world, but I really value my education, and I love the school I am at currently, and if I end up being sick for too long, i won’t be able to study there. I don’t want to fall behind, I want my A-levels over and done with and I want to go to university.

I am so scared.

You should be able to get a phone consultation with your GP,  and you might find this more comfortable to talk in the comfort of your own home than in the surgery.

I wouldn't plan ahead too much about what you are going to say to the GP, just go with the flow at the time.

You could also plan what to do about talking to the GP with your counsellor...

Good luck

You should be able to get a phone consultation with your GP,  and you might find this more comfortable to talk in the comfort of your own home than in the surgery.

I wouldn't plan ahead too much about what you are going to say to the GP, just go with the flow at the time.

You could also plan what to do about talking to the GP with your counsellor...

Good luck

Thank you!!