(23) Concerned about colon cancer symptoms

[eilicat]

I’m a 23 year old female. Starting 2-3 months ago, I started noticing a strong metallic/bloody odor when I have a bowel movement and whenever I pass gas, but have not seen any blood visually in my stool or on toilet paper and I’m checking every time. I’ve also had a significant change in my bowel movements. I’ve always had solid stool and regular movements, and rarely had trouble with constipation or diarrhea unless sick, but over the past couple months have only had small and quite thin movements only once or twice a day that doesn’t feel like I’ve had much of a movement. I also occasionally get a cramping pain in my left abdomen underneath my rib cage, but this is my least occurring symptom. This is really concerning me, and I told my PCP (who I newly started seeing since I just obtained insurance) about my symptoms and she told me to let her know if I see blood, but otherwise she wasn’t concerned with it and told me the smell was probably just something in my diet. I’m thinking I need to seek a second opinion on this.

[mondlee6248]

Actually you have not much symptoms plus you don’t even see any blood so I think nothing to worry about

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi eilicat ,Thank you for posting and sharing with us. It is important to share any change in bowel habits with your doctor, so that's good that you've done so.

If you think that there's something off in your body, then you should advocate for additional testing. Depending on where you live/insurance, you might be able to go straight to a gastroenterologist specialist and not need a referral from your primary care.

As a rule of thumb, if you are not satisfied with the level of care you are receiving, then we encourage second (or third) opinions.

Did you get your bloodwork results back yet? I'm assuming they did routine labs as part of a physical?

Please keep us updated, we're here for you.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Dear Hidden ,Thanks for posting -- please do go to the Doctor! There are many reasons for why one might experience rectal bleeding, but it should always be checked out by a medical professional to rule out anything serious such as colorectal cancer. It may not be pleasant getting a rectal examination, but it could save your life.

Please keep us posted, we're here for you.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[Arif_Mtl]

Hi, I have a similar symptoms as your. I used to have regular bowel movement. Then suddenly I started having soft stool and sometimes diherea but no bad smell. I had my colonoscopy, they found very mild inflammation in right and left colon. Biopsy results was normal. So cancer is ruled out. I am following LOW FODMAP diet. I recommend you to follow. It will help a lot. I was also prescribed probiotics FLORASTORMAX.

I would suggest you to get the colonoscopy done. It’s the only way to know for sure what’s the exact problem. And follow low fodmap diet. I hope it helps you.