Worried about Colon Cancer

[Groovydude06]

In early August this year I got stressed about Covid19 and the rise in numbers. I was born with heart complications, all which were fixed, but it still worried me about Covid. I had gotten really stressed out over it and could barley eat, I had the "butterflies" feeling in my stomach pretty bad. My wife took me to get a test and it came back negative. I thought all was gonna be good after that. Well, that nawing gut feeling that stress brings on didn't go away right away and then I started having bowel movements that move between normal color/shape, to normal color but ribbon to diarrhea, and then like fatty stools that smell weird. Sometimes there is mucus on the stools. Never any blood and I check sometimes. I do have blood on the tissue paper but its after the diarrhea has irritated my internal hemorrhoid. I was then worried maybe I've developed colitis, Crohns disease, or maybe even Chronic Pancreatitis. I do drink heavily sometimes and the diarrhea mostly happens after a night of whiskey. I did have an ER visit and test where done. All but a CT scan. No blood in my stool or any pathogens so I thought maybe irritable bowel... I also found out I'm diabetic. I'm 33 years old and not over weight and blood sugar is under control. I take Metformin and eat more healthy. I did have a great uncle who died of colon cancer and an uncle who has it now. They were both in there mid 40s when diagnosed.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello Groovydude06,

Thanks for posting and I'm sorry for what you are going through.

What kind of test did your wife take you to get that came back negative? Was that a FIT?

Have you seen a Gastroenterologist? I would recommend that you see a specialist so that you can be under the regular care of a Doctor that can oversee your care.

There are many possible reasons for the symptoms you are experiencing, many of which are chronic conditions. However, the only way to know for sure what is going on, and to rule out colorectal cancer, is to get checked out by a medical professional, most likely a specialist.

Unforntunately, we know that there is no such thing as "too young to get colorectal cancer." Colorectal cancer (also called bowel cancer) in young adults is on the rise and it is important that we end the myth that young people are not able to get colorectal cancer.

I say this not to cause panic, but just to encourage you to get checked out so that you can get some answers.

Before you go to the doctor, it may be helpful to take notes on what you are eating each day, any physical activity, as well as any pain, vomiting and what your bowel habits are. This can help the doctor determine what may be going on with you and what tests need to be ordered.

Please keep us posted, we are here for you.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Nicole_GCCA Partner in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Also, do speak to your specialist about the family history of colorectal cancer. While hereditary colorectal cancer accounts for ~5% of all colorectal cancers, it is still important to share the family history, because it can drastically increase your risk. There are genetic tests that can be performed that can determine if you have a genetic predisposition to developing certain cancers.

[Dalph87]

You are young but you have family history of the disease so get checked pls.