Suspected bowel/colon cancer

Hi, I’m a 27 year old woman who for a little while now has been dealing with sufficient bleeding when opening my bowel, along with other symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, weight loss and others.

I went to my doctors about this yesterday and I’ve been referred to a GI doctor as my GP was concerned about bowel cancer. I also did a blood test yesterday and after receiving the results it says that my folic acid levels are low. I did some research on this, which I know I shouldn’t have done! And it came up that low folic acid can be a sign of colon/bowel cancer.

I’m so incredibly worried about this, and so I was just looking for a bit of reassurance?

  • Hello Meljfm, 

    You did the right thing to go to the doctor's about this as the symptoms you describe will definitely require investigation but try not to worry too much if you can as there are so many other conditions which can also present similar symptoms and your doctor is being thorough and making sure all the necessary tests are done to get to the bottom of this. You're right though that it's best not to do any online research - we've all done it and we've all gone a bit mad doing it as it never gives satisfactory answers and will only make you expect the worst. Low folic acid can also be sign of other things so try not to read anything into it - the medical experts will soon be looking at all your test results and it won't be long now until you find out more. There are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news and I hope that you will also hear from other members of our community who have been in a similar place before and that they will be here shortly to share their experience with you. 

    We're keeping everything crossed for you that you get some clarity and a definite diagnosis soon. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator