FIT test result

I received FIT test result today of abnormal number 60. The lab report on the patient app test results read, abnormal intermediate risk bowel cancer. Anyone have any insights to help me as worried sick. Doctor said don't focus on number, just wait for specialist follow up, easy for him to say. Any help? 

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    Receiving an abnormal result can be worrying but as your doctor said try if you to not focus on the numbers.

    A positive FIT test is not uncommon but only a few of these will turn out to be cancer. 

    Having a positive test shows that you have bleeding occurring somewhere in your gastrointestinal tract.

    This blood loss could be due to ulcers, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, haemorrhoids (piles), swallowed blood from bleeding gums or nosebleeds, or it could be due to early bowel cancer. Anything that sticks out into the intestine, like a polyp or tumour, and is rubbed against by the faeces as it passes through, has the potential to bleed now and again.  

    Faecal Immunochemical Test FIT here

    uses antibodies to detect human haemoglobin (blood) in the blood. It is mainly the test used for bowel screening of otherwise healthy adults over the age of 60 with no symptoms to check for blood that cannot be seen. A positive test often leads to further investigations such as a colonoscopy to check for polyps and other possible causes for the bleeding.

    I hope that you have an appointment soon so you know more. Try if you can for now not to over think it all and take one day at a time.

    Some people say it helps to keep busy so you can focus on other things.

    If you want to ring and speak to a helpline nurse then you are more then welcome to do so.  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