Really worry about it😭.

[Rui_Sun]

My rectal bleeding started from early September, and I didn't care that time. But the symptom still exist until now, and during the period, my stools got thinner, my weight reduce with no habit of diet and exercise changed, and I always feel tummy pain and burning recently.

My GP hadn't felt piles in my anus, and only arranged me a blood test this week so far. I wonder how to have a colonoscopy as soon as possible. I'm just 21 years old.

[MimiK]

Hi Rui, the procedure is fine and if it means it will ease your mind then ask your doctor.

[GBP4L]

colonoscopy was tough for me to get because I was only 34/35 at the time I started bleeding. So I lied! I said my dad had colon cancer, my grandpa had colon cancer and with that the Drs referred me to get a colonoscopy. With your age, you may have to do the same. Questions: Do you have a swollen anal after passing poop? Is your blood bright red, maroon dark color? You may need to get other tests too in case you have IBS, Ulcers or even crohns. The colonoscopy isn’t bad at all. I went completely under and woke up with no pain. Please ask me any questions you want? I’ve been bleeding on/off since late 2018!

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Rui_Sun,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I'm sorry that you are experiencing these symptoms. I am proud you are taking action and have gone to the doctor to get some answers. Blood in the stool is definitely a sign that needs to be checked out. Abdominal pain is another. A blood test is fine, but that's not going to get you to the answers you need. I would think you are spot on in getting a colonoscopy to determine the source of the blood and will go a long way in sorting out your abdominal pain.

GBP4L commented on your post and unfortunately is correct. A lot of times a younger patient is treated differently when determining procedures to get answers. I do not say this to frighten you but want to make sure that you know that it is no longer true that someone is "too young" for colorectal cancer. There is a lot of research being conducted to determine why people are being diagnosed at a younger age, with no family history. It is true that there can be many reasons for blood in the stool and abdominal pain, but you need good answers and testing shouldn't be any different to determine the answers.

Don't let your pursuit of answers be sidelined by being young. Being young is a good thing and you have that going for you, but dealing with symptoms early is key before it becomes a fight. I see it in many of my cancer groups. 13, 15, 17 year old's with late stage cancers. Yes, a low percentage but it is happening and early screening is key.

It seems kind of odd for your presented symptoms to just have bloodwork performed. You definitely need answers. I would push to get the colonoscopy. It's not that bad and having the procedure will give you a wealth of information and hopefully answers. Getting those answers will put your worries at ease. No more thinking about what it could be and actually know what is going on. It puts you on a path to getting better.

I do wish you all the best. Please keep us up to speed as to what you find out and what you have to do to get answers. Information like that can be helpful to others on this site.

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - 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.