Hi Bethan

i was diagnosed with a condition called ulcerative colitis when I was 19.

it's a type of inflammatory bowel disease - there's also Crohn's - and both are commonly first diagnosed around this age.

symptoms can be chronic diarrhoea, blood in your poo, running to the loo and all sorts of bloating and abdominal pain.

I was so worried I had cancer too. But I got my UC diagnosis and live a relatively normal life now although I take medication daily.

look up the conditions and see a doctor if you think it might be something your experiencing. They will refer you to get the relevant tests.

sending love. I know how you're feeling x

Thank you for this!! I think its just partly that I get nervous about going to the doctor's which is scaring me :((

Hi, hope you don't mind me commenting on this. I'm so worried as having these symptoms at the moment. Blood everytime I go to the toilet and very loose which is nothing new for me but the blood is worrying me more. Could I have this even aged 42? I've always thought I might have IBS but never been diagnosed. Just so worried ️

It is scary going to the doctors but in the long run it will be worth it when you get the peace of mind and are on the right medication to help. 
Sometimes in life you have to dig deep and face things - trust me it will make you a better person x

You can be diagnosed with IBD at any age! It's just common in late teens/early 20s.

There are so many other reasons for the symptoms you've got than just bowel cancer - but they need looking at x

Thank you for your reply, just waiting for my FIT test results.

I think your best bet is to see your doctor. The fact that they are familiar with your history and the fact that you have health anxiety should be a good thing (assuming your doctor is a good one and not dismissive). It's quite possible your anxiety is causing or contributing to your loose stools. Loose stools are very commonly caused by anxiety.

One incident of blood in the stools is unlikely to be particularly concerning, especially if you don't even know for sure it was blood. Lots of things can cause this - hemmorhoids, a fissure, an infection... I wouldn't worry unless it continues regularly for a few weeks at least.

At 19 and with loose stools your only symptom, it is highly unlikely that it would be cancer and yeah, it is quite likely the doctor won't even consider that as an option, but that is a good thing. It would mean they had no reason to consider it. And they would be best placed to say what tests, if any, you need. It's quite likely they will be able to reassure you there is nothing to worry about.

It's very possible that it's just anxiety or something like that.