Very worried about bowel cancer

Hi everyone, looking for some advice. I've been having loose bowel movements most mornings for quite some time as well as excessive gas on occasion. For some reason it is always morning and will often have normal BM in evenings, symptoms don't really bother me during day and have not noticed any blood so far. Doctor was very certain that it was IBS, mainly due to the fact I had recently been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. However due to the fact that I have lost weight this year (he also put this down to stress) and that both my father and grandfather had tumours removed from their bowels relatively young  (mid 40s and early 50s) I am wondering whether I should demand further testing. Gp seemed almost dismissive when I expressed  concerns. Any advice as to what I should do next?  Driving myself insane with worry and can't focus on anything else. I am 30 years old and GP seemed to think my concerns a bit silly because of my age but I do have family history. 

  • Hello MoonlightSonata,

    It sounds like your GP is certain that it is IBS but if you are still worried you could perhaps see another GP just to get a different opinion and put your mind at rest? Do mention if you haven't done so already your family history.

    Try not to worry too much and to have faith in the medical professionals. I hope you get some reassurance soon on all this and that your symptoms get better soon.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Moonlightsonata,

    I’m the same age with the same worry, I would definitely push for a test, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

    One of my doctors was dismissive of my symptoms so I saw someone else in the surgery, I did a stool sample which came back abnormal so now I’m waiting for a colonoscopy next week and I’m scaring myself to death.

    People say it’s highly unlikely for someone our age to get bowel cancer yet a lot of patient stories I’ve read showed people as young as 20 getting stage 4 bowel cancer. 

    SMx