bowel cancer symptoms, advice needed.

Hi, 

I am looking for some advice/reassurance and guidance really - 

I have been noticing blood in stools on and off since December, and have some lower back pain. 

I have been to the doctors multiple times, mostly through worry of what the cause maybe. Doctors do not seem concerned and seems to think it is internal piles as nothing could be seen during examination. I almost feel like I am being paronoid however its the blood in stool/on toilet paper and constant lower back ache that is bothering me. I am young, feel fit and healthy and terrified of this being something serious. My anxiety is through the roof on a daily basis. 

My fit test came back normal and my Cal test was slightly inflamed (85) so need to repeat at the end of the month. 

I have been referred for a colonoscopy but this is not urgent so I could be waiting months. 

Has anyone else expeirenced anything similar? The bleeding is not at every bowel movement but most often that not, is this normal if it was to be piles?

Thanks. 

 

  • Welcome to the forum Female123 although I'm sorry for the reason you're joining us.

    Finding or noticing blood in the stool is quite a common talking point within the community so you're not alone and hopefully some of our members will be along soon to share their experiences and advice.

    Unusual or persistent symptoms are always a worry but fingers crossed the results of your next cal test and upcoming colonoscopy will show this isn't anything sinister.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • My understanding, admittedly from a lot of googling when I had some rectal bleeding last summer, is that it would be very unusual for it to be cancer after a negative FIT. I had the FOBT test, which is meant to be less reliable and even then the doctors were doubtful if I even needed a colonoscopy, with one doctor saying it was definitely piles (which turned out to be correct) but another saying I should get the colonoscopy, as I developed another symptom (trapped wind).

    It is also pretty unusual to get bowel cancer at a young age, to the point that the consultant told me I would be the "most unlucky person in the world" if it turned out to be that, given my age - 40. 

    So if you are young and have a negative FIT, I'd say the odds are very much in favour of piles or something along those lines.

  • Thank you for your re assurance and taking the time to reply, it's appreciated. I really do hope so, I am only 27 (just turned).