Small frequent bowel movements.

[Macker65492]

Been having stools like this 3 times every morning since the pandemic started..... Now I’m freaking out thinking I have cancer if the bowels. Stool really mushy requiring a lot of wiping. Some times I notice spots of blood on the tissue. Anxiety through the roof.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Dear Macker65492 ,Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I'm sorry that these symptoms are causing you anxiety. Anxiety can actually cause or make GI issues even worse, so while I know this is hard to do, try not to jump to the conclusion that you have colorectal cancer.

This site does not offer medical advice, but we are here to share our experience and offer our advice, but it should not replace speaking to your doctor. It is pretty hard to tell from a photo what's going on unless the blood is very obvious, which doesn't seem to be the case here. However, we recommend that you speak to a medical professional to find out for sure if there is blood in the stool and any issues.

Depending on where you live and your insurance, you may start with a call to your primary care doctor. And with COVID, that may mean a video or phone call instead of an in-person office visit. There are stool tests that your doctor can order and bloodwork that your dr. can do, and that may determine if they refer you to a specialist. Your doctor may take a medical history including asking if any family members have had colorectal (bowel) cancer.

The best thing you can do is to take action, make that appointment to speak to your doctor about your symptoms. There are many reasons for blood in the stool, and changes in bowel habits. Some are very treatable with medication, diet change, and minor procedures, and of course, there are more serious reasons for blood in the stool as well. For that reason, we always advise patients to seek medical care when they have blood in the stool.

Please, if you have not yet made an appointment to speak with your primary care doctor or a GI specialist please do so now! Better to get checked out and know for certain, than to be sick with worry.

Keep us posted, we're here for you.

~Nicole, GCCA Staff Member & Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.