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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Possibility for a cancerous polyp to grow in the bowel under 22?

    I am currently female, 21 years of age. Recently there is red blood when i have my bowel movements in the toilet bowl but seems to be separate from my stool. A few days ago it was heavy blood almost like my period. Since then, it has been mild. I have been to the doctor, and no haemmaroid was felt, a colonoscopy screening will be held within the next two weeks. I do not have any weight loss, loss of appetite, or close family history of bowel cancer. Since my colonoscopy will take a few weeks, in the meantime i'm extremely worried about my situation. Thus, i'm wondering what my bowel movements are telling me and if it is possible for me to have bowel cancer. I'm asking this question because my while my bowel movements are suspicious and needs to be addressed, i'm only 22 and both my blood and urine tests have been found normal.
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  • Bowel Cancer Australia is the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and care for everyone affected by bowel cancer. We … View Profile

    Thanks for your enquiry.  Sorry to hear you are going through such a stressful time.  I would like to reassure you that you have taken all the correct measures so far, in the testing that has been done.  Bleeding from the bowel at any age is something that should be followed up straight away.  I am glad to hear your colonoscopy is only two weeks away, which will hopefully provide you with a more definitive answer.  In the meantime, try not to worry too much and be reassured that you have done everything you can do at this stage.

    Please feel free to contact me again if you need any advice, or if you would like to let me know your results.

    Kind regards

    Fiona

    Bowel Cancer Australia Nurse Adviser
    www.bowelcanceraustralia.org


    Please Note: The information provided by Bowel Cancer Australia’s Nurse and Nutritionist Advisory Services is intended for Australian residents as a reference guide only.  It is not a substitute for independent professional advice and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder.
     
    If you believe your symptoms are consistent with those of bowel cancer or a digestive illness, please consult your doctor.
     
    Bowel Cancer Australia, its directors, officers or medical professionals shall not be liable to any person, company or any other body for any loss, direct or indirect or consequential on whatsoever account for any omission or negligent misstatement.

     

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