At your age, cancer is extremely unlikely. There are loads of more likely options - IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, etc. It could possibly even be related to your menstrual cycle.

That said, you should see a GP. I really doubt it's cancer, but some of the other options can be treated and any ongoing problem should probably be checked out.

The internet, by the way, gives cancer as an option for pretty much everything. I once had a sore wrist and googled and bone cancer came up as an option. Remember the internet lists things by how popular they are, not by how closely they match your symptoms and therefore bowel cancer is likely to be further up the list than a milder issue. It doesn't mean it's likely.

Last summer, I had rectal bleeding, weight loss, some loose stools (maybe once a week?) and trapped wind and the specialist said that as I was only 40, I'd be "the most unlucky person in the world" if it turned out to be bowel cancer and that the chances of that were 1% or less. Given that you are a good deal younger than me and it doesn't sound like you have bleeding or weight loss, your chances are probably significantly lower agian.

Do get it checked out, but honestly, cancer is nowhere near the most likely option.

Hi Poppypops, sometimes after a tummy bug we can get tempory lactose intolerance, doing an elimination diet should really be under the guidance of a dietician but getting a referral to see one would be very tricky, I have been waiting over a year. I also have gastroparesis and occasionally when I have had too much lactose my stomach doesn't like that. However if you are going to try and cut out foods its best to try one at a time so you can see what a possible trigger is. That said you should still talk it through with your gp because even though cancer is very unlikely it could be iBS or something similar that medication might help. perhaps your gp would send a stool sample for testing to check for a low level bowel infection, some times they can hang around for a while

all the best

HM

Hello,

My son had similar symptoms to you (he's a few years younger).  I totally agree with MargaretMary's advice in that this is more than likely to be an inflamed colon (colitis).  It could also be IBS, dietary intolerances or worst case scenario Crohns.   The important thing is to get checked out.  You will probably have a colonoscopy to see what's going on.

it's unpleasant and will make you feel tired.  This sort of thing can flare up in times of stress, being overtired, not eating well, that sort of thing.  Put the idea of cancer out of your mind and get to your GP asap, who will more than likely refer you to the gastro Drs.  Then you can put this behind you.  If you're prone to gut problems you may get flare ups occasionally, but it's very unlikely to be anything serious.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon

Mary