Bowel / colon cancer symptoms, any thoughts ?

Hi 

I have just found I have rectal bleeding- it's like blood/ mucus coating my poo. I actually realise now I have had this for a few months without really realising.

I went to a walk in clinic and was told I didn't have e any obvious hemorroids or fissures. 

i am a bit constipated, but I don't really have regular movements anyway.

I also have bloating regularly.

im so worried, has anyone had symptoms like this ? 
I am 28 & worried that I won't be taken seriously.. 

thanks in advance x

Parents
  • Lots of things can cause rectal bleeding. I think even just constipation can do it. And hemorrhoids apparently often gey missed in tests like that. And then there is ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, polyps, certain infections...

    Try to trust the doctors. If you need further investigations, I'm sure they'll do them.

    I know it is really worrying. Last year, I had rectal bleeding, some weight loss, occasional loose stools and trapped wind (the last a totally new thing) and the specialist said that as I was only 40, I'd be "the unluckiest person in the world" if it turned out to be cancer." Like you, I had the GP say no sign of hemorrhoids or a fissure, but it still turned out to be hemorrhoids and they said that wasn't at all unusual.

Reply
  • Lots of things can cause rectal bleeding. I think even just constipation can do it. And hemorrhoids apparently often gey missed in tests like that. And then there is ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, polyps, certain infections...

    Try to trust the doctors. If you need further investigations, I'm sure they'll do them.

    I know it is really worrying. Last year, I had rectal bleeding, some weight loss, occasional loose stools and trapped wind (the last a totally new thing) and the specialist said that as I was only 40, I'd be "the unluckiest person in the world" if it turned out to be cancer." Like you, I had the GP say no sign of hemorrhoids or a fissure, but it still turned out to be hemorrhoids and they said that wasn't at all unusual.

Children
  • Thanks so much for your reply, it is so helpful to hear others stories . I will try and stay calm and hope that I get support from the Dr. 
    x

  • As an update of anyone finds this feed- I went to my doctor who told me that if the blood was bright red and on the stool it wasn't coming from the bowel and therefore it was probably a tear from constipation. 
    I'm going to monitor my symptoms as from research, red blood on stool is a symptom.

    x

  • Hello. I have had a similar issue with blood on the toilet paper when wiping (but nowhere else). Have had this for some time but never really thought too much of it until I read about colon cancer (I have suffered from fissures badly in the past that lasted many years so that is one reason why I ignored it, plus I was embarrassed).

     

    I went to the doctor and he had a look and feel externally but not internally. He said probably internal hemorroids. Definitely put me at ease but I did wonder if he should have checked internally. I assume he knows what he's doing, what do you all think? (I'm 44 by the way).

     

     

     

     

  • Henry I think if it was me I would ask if your gp can test a stool sample, blood digested in the stool is detected on a transferrin test, this is blood that come from higher up but doesn't usually show as bright red. Fresh blood is normally bright red. If you have other symptoms such as pain or bloating, changes to what is normal for you with bowel movements then maybe ask if you could be referred for a colonoscopy. if it's a non urgent referral it will take quite a long time however as I said any changes should be discussed and looked into and this is normally on a 2ww. I am wondering if your doctor would let you do a FIT test which is offered to people in their 50's as a screening aid. Mine is arriving soon and I know it will be positive because I am already under a gastric doctor for occult blood and an uptake on a nuclear scan. things are still ongoing. If you feel at ease with the doctors comments then just keep an eye on things and report any changes

    all the best 

    HM

  • Hi, thanks for the reply. I don't actually have any other symptoms at all, nothing. All I get is blood on the toilet paper from time to time (although I sometimes wonder if its certain toilet paper that can cause irritation and bleeding? As I have a better time with Andrex over everything else). Has been like this for a long time to be honest. I do trust the doctor, surely he can tell if things should go further?