Cancer Research UK main site

Blood in stool

Br300
Offline

I am 21, and I went to my GP a few weeks ago because I saw some streaks of blood on my stool, and some on the toilet paper. The last time this happened was 2 years ago, on 2 occasions. I did a FIT test and a blood test, both were normal. My GP said it could possibly be due to a small, painless tear. But I’m feeling worried now as I feel like I didn’t emphasise enough that I have had a change in bowel movements - I said I was type 4/5 on the stool chart, but really I am more often type 5 than type 4, and this change happened around 3 years ago. I also said I hadn’t lost weight but realised after I have lost 3 kg in the last year, although I  have started exercising much more in the last year so maybe that is the reason. But the main reason I’m worried is that last week I noticed a small amount of blood again, but this time it looked mixed in rather than on top, which concerns me. I want to go back to my GP but I also don’t want to be a time waster, and so I’m not sure what to do. I’ve also just moved back to uni so I’m not sure whether to contact the same GP (from home) or register at uni and go there. Does anyone have any advice?  

  • Offline

    Hi Br300, 

    You did well to go to the GP after you noticed those streaks of blood on your stool - it seems like it wasn't the first time it had happened and it's always good to get this checked and talk to your doctor about it just to get more clarity as to what it might be. It's good that despite your young age they have taken your concerns seriously and you had a FIT test and blood test and it's very reassuring that these were normal. 

    I think given that you are still feeling worried and that there are things you forgot to tell your GP, it might be worth going back and explaining what you have written on your post, that you have also had a change in bowel movements and that you have actually lost weight (but do mention too that you are exercising more). It's always important that they get the full picture and make sure you mention too that you are worried about the blood you saw mixed in with the stool. You will never be a time waster so don't hesitate to go back - that's what they are here for. It's totally up to you whether you go back to see the same GP at home or you go and see the GP at uni. I think it's always good practice to register anyway with your uni GP and also it would not hurt really to see someone else and getting a second opinion. 

    Whoever you decide to see, I hope you get to speak to a doctor soon and that you get complete reassurance. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Br300

    Mu advice to you is dont ever think your wasting a GPS time  you are obviously worried and that initial isnt good for you and your health. 

    Blood in your stool  ,or in your toilet when going ,isnt always a sign of bowel.cancer ,yes it can be,but it can be from a number of other things.

    One ... you allready know about is a fisical tear which can be caused from straining on the toilet.

    Two ... it could be piles ( Hemeroids) 

    Three  ...it can be Diverticulitis ( Pockets where stools get stuck,causing inflammation sometimes bleeding 

    Four ... ulcerative colitis,causing lose stools,weight loss ,bloating ,pain ,bleeding 

    Five .....polyps  can cause bleeding 

    Crones disease which can cause,weight loss,,lose stools,bleeding

    Bleeding from your bottom/bowels isnt always a sign of cancer,and you may be worrying unnecessary, but do go and get it checked out.

    I know a lot about things wrong with bowels,I myself halve iIBS irritable bowels,Diverticulitis  internal and external piles ulcerative colitis, spastic coion.

    Ive had 43 colonoscopys, numerous polyps removed 

    And ive had a right side bowel resection, aa I had a flat sessile polyp that had to be injected with blue dye,and cut away in five sections. In 3 weeks I waa checked again as I waa bleeding ,and it had started to grow back,and ut contained high grade dysplasia ( pre cancerous cells) so thats why I had a bowel resection in 2015.  

    Just ger yourself an appointment to put your mind at rest, it isnt wasting anyone's time.  Hope you do and everything is ok . 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.