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I am very scared that I have bowel cancer

cherry03
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So all of this started with a bit of blood in my stool which I has happened before. I've been to my gp about it and they said it was just ibs. Suddenly it's come back and has just gotten worse and is now being accompanied by a whole lot of other problems. 
 

I have lost a noticeable amount of weight without really trying to, I frequently have abdominal cramps and a whole heap of toilet problems and am always unexplainably tired. 
 

I have had blood tests done but nothing has really been flagged up. I have a colonoscopy on Monday and am really nervous. I am only 17 and know that it is unlikely to be cancer but after a rabbit hole of google searches I'm just worried. 

  • Hello Cherry03

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some ongoing health problems. It's understandable that you're feeling worried but hopefully the appointment on Monday will give you some answers about what is going on for you. 

    As you've found, unfortunately searching Google for information in this kind of circumstances can lead you down a dark rabbit hole providing no real answers but leaving you much more anxious. 

    Try to keep busy over the weekend and avoid looking online. As you've mentioned, you have age on your side and there could be a number of other conditions that are responsible for your symptoms. I do hope that you have some answers next week. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Hi

    Sorry you are going through all this worry at 17. I would imagine it would be very rare for a 17 year old but not impossible. Do you hve a family history of bowel cancer?

    Everyone is nervous about a procedure like this but at least you will come out of there with some answers for your symptoms.

    Google searches are BAD! they put ideas in your head and then you dwell on the worst posible outcome... I know, I've done it myself... loads of times and regretted it.

    Let me know how it goes, x

  • Offline in reply to Ineedabreak

    Hi, 

    I don't not have a history of bowel cancer in the family. I'll let you know how it goes! 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    I probably am just being quite paranoid but just hoping for the best! Thank you! 

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