Bowel cancer?

I'm 25 years old and been having some symptoms which are worrying me. 
It started in May when I had 2 episodes of stomach cramps and then watery loose stools. Both were treated with Imodium. After this my stools were softer but still formed which cleared up after the second bout of looser watery stool in May. 
I've been fine for weeks and weeks and then on the 11 aug the cramps came again (like period pain but was mid cycle) and again I had a bout of loose watery stool. Took Imodium and been normal ever since until last night when this happened again (am due period in next few days). Didn't take Imodium this time until today when there were again some mild cramps. 
there doesn't seem to be a particular pattern when this happens but as a long time sufferer of a 'lazy bowel' (since I was very very young) going more than 3 times a week is not normal for me and especially not when it's loose and watery. 
I have always had traces of mucus in my stool ever since I was young which is due to the stools being very very solid (normally!) when I go. It won't be every time I go though and there has never been any blood etc. 

Are these 'episodes' that I've had with the cramps just random or could this be something more? As stated above the pain is across the lower abdomin and comes in waves and cramps (like period pain) and is releaved by going to the toilet. Obviously whenever you search anything it brings up cancer as an option so wanted any advice I can get especially with it being a bank holiday! 
 

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  • 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.

  • Im 29 have a similar thing going on at the moment, have a doctors appointment tomorrow which I am worried about but will be glad to just have the discussion with them. The only issue is this has been going on for 2 years for me so worried if it is cancer then I'm not going to be in a great position. I won't be satisfied though if they don't do some sort of test to put my mind at ease. Think it is worth pushing them if you're that concerned! X
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  • Im 29 have a similar thing going on at the moment, have a doctors appointment tomorrow which I am worried about but will be glad to just have the discussion with them. The only issue is this has been going on for 2 years for me so worried if it is cancer then I'm not going to be in a great position. I won't be satisfied though if they don't do some sort of test to put my mind at ease. Think it is worth pushing them if you're that concerned! X
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