Colon cancer worry

Hi everyone,

Absolutely terrified is an understatement. Started with lower right abdominal pain around the end of august alongside belching. Wasn't too scared at the time but stools are very inconsistent now and was put through as an urgent referral after having a calprotectin level of 350. Since august, the pain comes and go's but it's very much like a dull ache. Due a colonoscopy and endoscopy on Tuesday but extremely anxious for the results. I'm only 22 but don't know whether it's been caused by all the drinking at university or whether it's a result of a bad dose of covid from July because didn't have any issues prior. Just don't want to be told I have cancer (biggest fear). 

  • That's great that you have your colonoscopy coming up so soon; the waiting and not knowing is an awful feeling, and thank goodness you will have some answers soon. Hoping that everything goes well for you x

  • I would say it's pretty unlikely to be cancer. At your age, something like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's would be much more likely, even if it is something serious.

    I had a colonoscopy last August due to rectal bleeding, weight loss, some loose stools (maybe once or twice a week) and trapped wind and the consultant told me that at my age (40, at the time), cancer would be the least likely of the possibilities and that I would be "the unluckiest person in the world" if it turned out to be that. Given that you are little more than half my age and it doesn't sound like you've had any bleeding, the odds of cancer in your case are likely to be even lower.

    I know it's scary and that "very unlikely" isn't that much consolation as it still leaves margin for error, but i would say the odds against cancer are very much in your favour.