flat stools. colon cancer or ibs?

Hi. I'm 22 and for the past couple years, I have had what I though was irritable bowel syndrome. I'm not 100% sure, but I get diarrhea/constipation/flat or stringy stools/stomach pain frequently. I am thin and eat plenty throughout the day. I was talking to a friend about it and he mentioned the dreaded "C" word. He said about how colon cancer or a polyp can have the same symptoms. Now of course I'm terrified. I have never before had a colonoscopy done before, and due to bad health insurance, I want to avoid that. I'm in the process of a big move which is already expensive enough. Does anyone have IBS and can tell me if this sounds normal? Should I be concerned for Colon cancer? I'm terrified.

Hey, I'd say if it's been a couple of years with no dramatic changes it could be something like IBS. I have been exactly the same for nearly 4 years (a couple of months after the birth of my son) I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy back then and it didn't show anything at all. Yes I still worry as I have HA but I just have to grin and bear it! It might be worth mentioning it to the Dr just for your own peace of mind x

Hi

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