OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns Over Possible Colorectal Cancer at 17

I want to share my experience as a 17-year-old who suspects I might have colorectal cancer. Lately, I've been dealing with health issues that include irregular bowel movements, specifically alternating between diarrhea and constipation, with a recent trend leaning toward constipation. Additionally, I feel a persistent, uncomfortable sensation as if my rectum is never completely empty. This discomfort extends to the lower abdominal area, making me feel like I haven't fully evacuated my bowels. At times, I experience abdominal pain, which varies in intensity, and I had a particularly rough week last June. After this troubling period, around the 25th, I ended up at the pediatric hospital, voicing my concerns about the possibility of having colorectal cancer. Of course, I had done my own research online, which only intensified my fears. I couldn’t shake the constant anxiety and began obsessing over cancer-related testimonials I'd watched. During my visit, the doctor assured me that at my age, it was highly improbable to have colorectal cancer. Instead, he prescribed laxatives. While my stomach discomfort slightly improved, the feeling of fullness and urgency in my rectum persisted, even after having several bowel movements. After returning to the doctor, I had the most uncomfortable experience of my life: a rectal examination. Following this, I underwent an abdominal ultrasound on July 18. During the ultrasound, I expressed my ongoing worries about colorectal cancer, but the technician laughed, reiterating that it was virtually impossible for someone my age. The ultrasound results showed nothing of concern, although I later learned that this type of scan doesn’t adequately assess the rectum and only provides limited views of the colon. Days turned into weeks, and for a period of three weeks, I felt relatively fine—no discomfort, pain, or abnormal bowel habits. I believed I was finally in the clear. However, just five days ago, the uncomfortable sensations returned. Though the abdominal pain was generally minimal, I once again struggled with that incessant rectal discomfort, which, while not overly painful, was deeply irritating. I felt overwhelmed, especially as my fears surrounding cancer reignited, compounded by the recurring discomfort and sporadic abdominal pain. It's worth mentioning that there's a history of irritable bowel syndrome in my family, though I have not seen any cases of colorectal cancer. While I’ve had instances of alternating bowel habits since I was about 13, the recent onset of pain and discomfort leads me to worry more about cancer. I have not noticed any blood in my stool, but this situation continues to disturb me. At times, I feel dismissed by the medical professionals, which raises my doubts about ever getting a colonoscopy. I apologize for the lengthy post, but I felt the need to express my thoughts. Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this. I hope you all are well and take care out there.

Answers (1)

8/16/2025, 1:20:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns. I understand that you are feeling anxious about your symptoms, especially given the possibility of colorectal cancer at a young age. It's important to acknowledge your feelings while also putting your symptoms into perspective. While your concerns are valid, circumstances such as your age and the absence of alarming symptoms (like blood in your stool) greatly reduce the likelihood of colorectal cancer. Let's focus on understanding your symptoms better and managing them effectively.

Explanation:

• Symptoms You Described: Alternating bowel movements, feelings of incomplete evacuation, lower abdominal discomfort, and some intermittent pain could collectively suggest issues related to your gastrointestinal (GI) system. Given your family history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it might align with IBS or other functional bowel disorders, which are quite common and can cause distressing symptoms without indicating a serious condition.

• Inspection Methods: The ultrasound is useful for certain abdominal conditions but does not thoroughly assess the rectum or diagnose colorectal disorders. It's understandable to feel dismissed by your experiences, but remember that healthcare professionals often evaluate risks based on statistical factors, especially considering your young age.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Begin documenting your bowel habits, including frequency, consistency, and any associated symptoms (like pain or discomfort). This information will help you monitor patterns and may assist your doctor in understanding your condition better.

2. Manage Stress and Anxiety: Recognizing that worry over a serious illness can amplify discomfort, consider incorporating stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light physical activity. Sometimes, IBS symptoms can be exacerbated by anxiety.

3. Dietary Adjustments: Explore keeping a food diary to identify any triggers or patterns in your diet that could be contributing to your bowel issues. High-fiber foods, adequate hydration, and balanced meals can help with irregular bowel movements.

4. Consider Seeking a Specialist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider asking for a referral to a gastroenterologist. They may recommend tests like a colonoscopy if deemed necessary, but usually would first evaluate your symptoms in detail.

5. Stay Connected with Your Doctor: Continue to communicate openly with your healthcare provider. If you feel the need for reassurance or further evaluation, express this to them directly. You are your best advocate while navigating your health concerns.

Take each step at your own pace, focusing on gradual improvements rather than worrying about worst-case scenarios. Remember that many people experience similar GI symptoms, especially at your age, and typically, these can be managed successfully.