Cancer Research UK main site

Blood in poo?

Terence31
Offline

I've noticed that over the last 2 or 3 weeks my stools have been looser. Not diarrhea, but definitely looser and easier to pass than normal. I'm not going any more often, it's just the consistency change I noticed. Although it's been on my mind a lot for the last few weeks, I had put it down to stress and wasn't going to call the doctors unless it went on a lot longer. 

 

However, this morning my stool appeared to have some red in it. It was fairly bright and perhaps only on the surface but I can't be sure of that. I phoned the doctors and they saw me about 20 minutes later. GP didn't seem too bothered as she said at my age (35 male) she would expect abdominal pains too if it was cancer. She felt my tummy and was happy with that. She suggested it is probably a result of food (I mentioned that there was an undigested kidney bean in my stool today) and sent me on my way. 

 

Does that sound right? Or should I still be concerned? I can't help but link the change in habit to the red/blood today. 

  • Offline

    Sorry to hear you are going through this. I will say that a year ago, I had weeks of rectal bleeding, admittedly on the paper rather than on the stool. I also had some weight loss, on and off loose stools (maybe once a week) and a few weeks of trapped wind. The specialist said that as I was "only" 40, the odds of bowel cancer were less than 1% and I would be "the unluckiest person in the world" if it turned out to be that.

    Given your symptoms, I would say your odds are probably even lower than mine. Obviously, I'm no expert and your doctor knows way better than me, but that is the impression I have, amatuer as it is.

  • Offline

    Hi sorry to hear about your symptoms, it is good you posted on here for advice. As Margaret said, the chances of it being cancer are low. But it is not impossible so best to get it checked just in case. I suggest you go to another doctor at the GP. They should get you to do a FIT test (a test that looks for blood in poo) and a blood test to check for anaemia. That's what my doctor did and I'm 20 so my chances are lower. 

     

     

     

  • Offline in reply to amelia98

    Thanks both for your replies. Can I ask if your situations led to a cancer diagnosis? While I know 35 is young in cancer terms, it's not THAT young so I'm not convinced I should have been sent away so easily. 

  • Offline in reply to Terence31

    Yes, I don't think you should have been sent away so easily. I think that doctor needs CPD, especially with everything on the news about Deborah James. You should definitely go back just in case. 

    I haven't had a diagnosis yet. I was referred on a 2 week pathway today so I should find out soon.

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.