Hello and thanks for your post

I'm sorry that your recent  FIT test came back positive. Cancer screening such as the  FIT test is for people with no symptoms at all. When people have persistent symptoms, it's best that they don’t wait for a screening invitation, they should make an appointment to see their doctor to get checked out

It is possible that a cancer can be found when people have no symptoms, but if this is the case then hopefully it may mean that it's an early and treatable cancer.

I'm afraid we aren't going to be able to say if there is anything the matter, as we cannot diagnose anyone. But having a positive test does not definitely mean you have cancer. There can be many reasons for blood in the stools and a range of bowel conditions that can cause the bleeding but something more serious such as cancer does need to be ruled out.

The next step is to have the colonoscopy. I know waiting when you are worried is stressful. There is no easy way to get through this, but many people tell us that keeping busy and sticking to a routine can help a little. But until you both know this is bound to be a worry.

I hope you know more soon and that everything turns out to be okay.

Kind regards,

Celene

I'm so worried I feel sick, how common is it to have no symptoms and yet still have cancer? Would any cancer be more treatable as I'd assume it would be in the early stages or am I kidding myself about that to?  I'm trying to keep busy and occupy my mind but it's so hard knowing I have 4 weeks to wait 

The good thing is you are having a colononscooy. Only 5% of colononscooy tests show it's cancer. It can be a number of other things.

Try not to over think and stay off Google. X

Hello there and thanks for the reply

It is normal to have a degree of worry when undergoing tests but try not to let your thoughts run away with you for now.

As my colleague has said the bowel screening programme is for people who ordinarily don't have any symptoms to check for blood in the stools that may need further investigating.

There can be many reasons for blood in the stools and most won't be the result of a cancer but a colonoscopy is a good way that the bowel can be checked and biopsy (tissue samples) can be obtained to check for abnormality.

If bowel cancer is found through the screening programme it is often at an earlier and more treatable stage but as I say there could be a number of reasons for the blood.

As difficult as it is sit tight for now and wait and see what the colonoscopy shows. Unfortunately no one is going to be able to tell you anymore about your situation until these tests have been done.

I hope you know more soon.

Take care

Naomi

Thankyou Naomi, guess I just have to wait it out, which is the worst.....many on the forum have the worry of waiting, I hope everyone has someone to talk to and hug x

Hi Irenex50.

I'm a 62 Yr old male who had a positive fit test, but no symptoms before hand. You say your test was abnormal, I don't know what that means, as they are usually looking for traces of blood. Blood does not always mean cancer ( but mine was), there are other causes, but the colonoscopy will show any visual signs of polyps, or tumours, and their location and size on the inside of the colon. That is a good start. Be patient, don't fret, ( easy to say), 4 weeks is quite rapid for a colonoscopy date, thousands of people are giving positive tests, not all are cancer related. Early detection is in the form of fit test and colonoscopy, which when complete will give you a better idea of what's going on. Nhs is in " another gear" on this topic, and they do not usually hang about. 

Good luck  and be patient.

Paul

Hi Paul, that's just confirmed my worse fears. Was it found early, hopefully the outcome has been positive for you. Patience is a virtue I'm sadly lacking in this situation never having faced it before. My fit test said abnormal which I understand is the same as positive and I realise it could be a number of other things but the mind is a powerful tool and mine goes to worse case scenario unfortunately, not best case. I guess four weeks isnt so bad, nearly three now but I have a holiday in between which will definitely be impacted, try as I might, with a 14 hour flight there and 14 hours back, added to which I'm limited to food intake on the return as the colonoscopy is the day after we return (my choice as it didn't want to wait any longer).

I hope all is well for you going forward. I agree the nhs is in another gear on this which is good to know.

very best wishes to you.

Hi again, just found your post of the 19th March so I'm now in the picture. Very best wishes going forward.

Hi

Just saw your post and hope you are managing to relax a bit on your holiday.  I 2nd everything that's been said by others - many things can cause a positive FIT and cancer is not the only, or even most common cause.

However, if it does turn out to be that, then screening has done it's job and got it good and early! Remember, it looks for microscopic traces that naked eye wouldn't see.  My partner had a positive FIT result - no symptoms at all.  Colonoscopy revealed a tumour - then the NHS 'machine' went into action - CT, MRI + finally surgery, all within 6 weeks of the Colonoscopy! Tumour successfully removed, no spread, no chemo!  Back to work within couple weeks and 'surveillance' appointments 6 months, then 1 year and, all going well, back to the routine FIT screening every 2 years same as everyone else!

My point is, even if it's bad news - the screening has found it really early (which is the whole point) + NHS moves at astonishing speed in those circumstances for scans/surgery etc and gets it sorted!  

As for colonoscopy - I've had one in past and, while not pleasant, the prep was tolerable and the procedure itself was fine and over quite quickly.  Partner also found it not as bad as anticipated. As previously posted, try and start prep as far as what you're eating, in advance as makes the prep itself easier and ensures clear bowel and clearer results.

Good luck (& hugs)