I am a year post my mastectomy grade 2 stage 2 IDC breast cancer. I have also been on tamoxifen for a year and really had issues with constipation. So much so that the GP diagnosed me with an anal fissure. Been given softeners but also received a bowel screening test in the post recently. He has said he doesn’t think it’s a second primary cancer but really wants me to do the stool sample test. This GP surgery also thought my breast lump was a cyst… I am terrified. I honestly don’t think I have it in me to go through another cancer. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and getting intensive therapy but I am just convinced that cancer is simply out to kill me. Has anyone else had fissures from tamoxifen? But not bowel cancer? I am literally too scared to do the sample despite my GP being very kind and supportive and aware of my history.
Hi Phoenix,
Tamoxifen has caused me some digestive discomfort, although it has been better since I’ve switched brands to a lactose free formula. I have suffered from constipation on and off through my life, and fissures are an unpleasant side effect unfortunately. I don’t think there is any connection between them and cancer.
GPs will normally recommend bowel screening for any change in bowel habits, even more so if you are in the age range for routine screening. It’s a simple test and can rule stuff out so they will always encourage people to do it. They are also notoriously bad at knowing what’s going on with a breast lump (my own GP said this when she referred me to the breast clinic). Most lumps do turn out to be non cancerous so they probably work on that basis.
Good luck x