Cancer Research UK main site

IBS or Bowel Cancer? I’m nervous

ParanoidTeen
Offline

From 25th-28th January this year I had bad diarrhoea along with stomach pains on the 27th and 28th. After this I have had no further symptoms and thought no more about it.

however today (3rd February) I had a slightly tarry stool which worried me as I had read it was a sign of colon cancer. I have experienced no other symptoms today and this was the first time I had a tarry stool. 

I am currently 17 years old and have no other health complications or family history of Bowel Cancers.

i do however have a family history of IBS.

can anyone offer further information as to what I am suffering? 

  • Offline

    I see you  have posted three times in the space of 20 minutes so thought I should give a response.  No I do not think you have bowel cancer; it would be very unlikely. Yes, you may have IBS.   Lots of  people get bouts of diarrhoea occasionally; it passes.  Similarly most people have different consistencies and colour of stools from time to time.  Again, nothing to worry about - it passes.    If you want the same information from someone with medical qualifications (which I don't have) then you could either speak to the nurses here - they work office hours Monday to Friday or speak to your own GP but to be honest I am betting you will get the same information.  Cheers.  Annie

  • Offline

    Hi ParanoidTeen.

    I agree with @Annieliz - bowel cancer at age 17 is incredibly unlikely; it's just so rare for someone of your age.

    However, what is not rare is gettiing either a tummy "bug" from eating some bad food, and, of course, irritible bowel. A tummy bug would certainly explain the diarrhoea and stomach pains, and the stools you noticed could be the after effects of the bug.

    So try not to panic. I'm sure the nurses will see your post tomorrow and give you some more practical guidance.  

  • Offline in reply to Annieliz

    Thanks Annie for your response. Sorry the post hadn’t appeared to have uploaded so I thought I would post in other groups just to be certain.

    i was leaning on the side of IBS, I was just worried by a darker stool colour, although I’ve seen no blood at any point. 

    I am going to my GP tomorrow just to be sure though. 

    Thanks again.

  • Offline

    Hi ParanoidTeen,

    You've answered your own question really.  It is very possible for it to be IBS, but the chances of it being cancer are teensy.  It's great that information on cancer is much more out there and people are more aware but it does of course lead to more people needlessly worrying due to googling symptoms etc.

    An abundance of non-life-threatening conditions could cause your symptoms so please don't worry.

    LJ

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.