Urgent suspected lower gastrointestinal cancer referral

I’m a 32 year old female, who has had IBS since early teens which has always been relatively well managed. In Feb this year I had a weird experience of being very constipated and some fresh bleeding but put it down to haemorrhoids, and since then on and off had the occasionally odd tummy but nothing that made me panic. 

Two weeks ago I was on holiday with my partner and suddenly had constant urgency to go to the toilet and every time I did, it was different colour and consistency, ranging from super skinny to larger but not loose at all. I opened my bowels ten times that day. We traveled home as planned and I felt ok that. On the following Monday morning I suddenly had a lot of fresh blood but with large dark clots, on tissue paper and filling the toilet. I made a same day gp appointment where she said she could feel something internally, and I explain all my symptoms which included fatigue and soreness in my stomach as well as showing her a photo of the clots I passed. She referred me then for the 2ww to see a specialist, but I did a immunochemical test and blood tests as well. My blood test came back that my white blood cell count is higher than normal, and my stool sample as 13ug and containing blood. 

Im now experiencing lower back pain, extreme dizziness and fatigue, low blood pressure, but no more visual blood in my stool. I don’t feel generally ‘well’. 

my question really is with this mix of symptoms and test results thus far is there any part of it that could point to something other than cancer? 

The lab requested “urgent referral for suspected lower gastrointestinal cancer” and I’m waiting for a specialist to call me this coming week. Thanks for reading xx

  • Hello Sjm26

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some health concerns recently and that you're now waiting for an appointment with the GI specialist. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious. 

    It's really difficult for anyone here to say with any certainty what may be causing your symptoms. Have you been given an indication of when you may get an appointment at the hospital? Hopefully, you won't have to wait too long. 

    We know that for many people, this period of waiting and uncertainty can be really difficult. If it would help to chat things through with one of our nurses, you're welcome to give them a call. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch Sjm26 and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator