Bloody stool and mild cramping. Really freaking out this could be bowel cancer. I have a GP appointment in two days time and I'm terrified

Hey everyone. So, this morning I found red blood in my stool and mild diarrhoea. The latter isn’t unusual as I have IBS but usually if I avoid gluten and dairy I don’t have too bad of a problem. As far as I know I didn’t have either recently but I have never seen the latter symptom before. It follows a few days of not pooping due to very high stress (my sister got married and lots of family drama ensued) but again, constipation is not unusual for me but the blood is. I have sort of like mild cramping but it’s the wrong time of the month for PMS (I track carefully) and this was definitely in the stool. I’m really freaking out that this could be bowel cancer, I know that it’s unusual as I am 31 but if it was at the stage where I had symptoms I understand it’s already quite advanced? I guess I’m just venting, I’ve booked a GP appointment in two days time but I’m terrified…

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, RiverZai

    I’m sorry you’re going through this. Seeing blood when you have not noticed it before can be very frightening, and it’s natural that your thoughts go to worst-case scenarios.

    It’s good you have booked a GP appointment so quickly. That is the right step as they’ll be the ones who can properly assess things and decide if any further tests are needed.
    I know it’s easier said that done but try not to let your thoughts run too far ahead before you have been seen.

    If you feel you would like to talk things through with a nurse before your appointment, our nurses are available on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Last but not least, I hope your appointment brings reassurance and clarity. Do come back and update us if you find a moment, we'll be thinking of you.

    All the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator