Worried they are going to confirm anal or bowel cancer

Possible TMI...

I have spent 4 weeks trying to get a NHS appt with GP to no avail, thankfully I have health insurance. I really started noticing some strange symptoms about a month or so ago.  I was going poop more often and had realised that it was 'softer' than normal and that on occasion I could tell what I'd eaten the day before. I also started to feel an almost constant need to go poop, noticed some blood in stool, itching and had stomach cramps.  Last week I noticed I had a large lump protruding from my anus next to a smaller lump I was told was probably piles 6 years ago.  

Anyway fast forward 4 weeks and I decided to use my health insurance.  They have referred me for tests and scans and contacted my GP.  I had blood work taken last week and now need to arrange a further urgent blood test appt.  I have 2  consultations next week and have been told there is some concern and they need to rule out bowel and or anal cancer.  

I did the worst thing possible... I googled both bowel and anal cancer and have scared myself silly.  6 years ago I had abnormal cervical cells and had these removed. Some of the literature I've read the past couple of days says that women are at more risk of anal cancer than men and more so if they've previously had abnormal cervical cells.  

I'm probably over thinking it but has anyone had anything similar? 

  • Hi Nutjob101,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm glad to hear you were able to get the appointments arranged, although I can understand this must be concerning and I know the uncertainty is never easy.

    Do try to steer clear of Googling things as the information will often be incorrect or irrelevant, and it can often lead to further worries.

    I hope it's not too long to wait to get the answers you need. Try to take things one day at a time while you wait and keep busy and find distractions where possible.

    Meanwhile if others have similar experience to share then hopefully they'll be along soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, I was just wondering how you got on with your investigations? I am currently in pretty much in the exact same predicament and am terrified!

  • Hi Everyone

    Worried  about possible bowel Cancer.

    Not sure where to start, I have suffered with ibs for Years with fluctuating bowel movements, bloating,stomach cramp left side more recently though bowel has habits changed to where when been to toilet doesn't feel like I have finished and awful occasional pain down there, really gassy, if anything better on eating healthy and yet weight gain and bloating on stomach is worse and had to get elasticated trousers. 

    So about 3 weeks ago I did the bowel cancer poop test and the doctors rang to say I need to have repeat blood tests inc full blood count, liver, kidney, etc, which this monday hopefully if my covid results are clear, then I have got to speak with Doctor on Tuesday to discuss the results.

    I am stressing and really worried that for one my results are back but I havent been told what they are so that's stressed me, then what are the blood tests for are they looking for cancer markers and three worried if they have found something cancerous.

    Reading above I too have years ago had pre cancerous cervical cells removed that where 1 stage off being cancerous. Can that be a factor?

    Next week cannot come soon enough..

    Any support much appreciated.