Worried about colon cancer

Hi nurses 

I’m really worried about my health at the moment and would love some guidance. I’ve been suffering with flatulence, an almost always need to go to the toilet, a feeling of fullness in my bum and soft stools (not watery but not fully formed).

This has been going on for 3 months. I took a fit test which came back as 10 and was counted as negative by my doctor because I’m not bleeding and don’t have fevers. All my full blood count liver kidneys crp etc was normal just slightly low on calcium and b12. 

I changed my hrt around the time my stools changed but before then I was having a lot of flatulence in the middle of the night. I changed it back a week ago and symptoms still here.

Who knows if any of this is related! I’m just worried! When I eat I feel sick and then tired and have a normal poo once in a blue moon now when I used to be like clockwork! 

I had a clear colonoscopy 4 years ago apart from some diverticula disease in the sigmoid colon. 

I think I’m looking for some reassurance :) I’ve been told to track my symptoms for a few weeks but I’d like to push if you think I should, 

thanks!

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about the worries you have about the symptoms you are experiencing.

    It is reassuring to hear you have seen the GP about this and they have run some tests that have come back okay so far. If the symptoms are persisting it is important to go back but I would track your symptoms like the doctor has asked you to first.

    Symptoms can be the result of many different things and most of the time won't be due to cancer.

    There are strict guidelines that need to be met in order to have certain tests or referrals to the hospital, however the doctor can reassess you to determine if you meet these.

    As I say try not to worry or dwell on this too much as stress and anxiety can also bring on tummy and toilet issues for some people.

    wishing you all the best.

    Take care

    Naomi

  • Thank you :) I’ve spoken to the doctor again and I’m going to have an examination and they’ve referred me for a sigmoidoscopy too. I feel like I’ve got a plan and I’m covering my tracks which has made me feel more relaxed even though symptoms are the same. I really appreciate your calm words of reassurance!