Welcome to the forum SusanGrace although I'm sorry about the issues your mum has been having over the last few months.

I just wanted to let you know there will be a slight delay in getting a response from our nurses as they are now on their Christmas break and won't be back until the 29th December.

We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but in the meantime we hope that you and your mum, despite the current situation, are able to have a nice time over the festive period.

Best wishes to you both,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hello and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your mum's situation. This must be such a difficult time for you all.

A colonoscopy test is still the gold standard test to investigate whether cancer is present as it does enable the doctors to have a good look at the bowel and perhaps take some biopsies. It is important that she makes her views known if she is keen not to have this test. There are other tests that they may consider doing such as an ultrasound and CT scan. 

These tests can give the doctors a good idea that cancer is present but in order to find out more they would need to take a biopsy which would involve a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy.

We have some information about different tests that are used to help diagnose bowel cancer which you can see here

If the doctors are keen to do a colonoscopy they may consider doing the test under sedation to make it more bearable but I can understand if she is against having the test the doctors will respect her decision and tell her what other tests they could do.

I can understand what an unsettling time this must be whilst you are waiting to find out more.

Do give us a ring if you want to talk any of this through.   You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the Best,

Catherine