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GI cancer

Ness24
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Good morning

I was contacted by my doctor to discuss results to which he said I have non-visible blood in my faecal sample. 

He then said I would be fast tracked for a colonoscopy.

I wanted to check how long he said this would take so logged into my patient records. I discovered he has made the referral under 'suspected lower GI cancer'. 

He never mentioned this, only saying the procedure would be to investigate and determine if there are concerns and if there was anything sinister like cancer. He got all weirded out when he spoke about this.

However, he never said the referral was for cancer.

Should I be worried?

  • Hello Ness24 and thanks for posting

    It can be a worry to find out you have been put on a suspected cancer however this is routine when blood is detected with a positive FIT test.

    Most people on this pathway won't be found to have bowel cancer but it is the quickest way of getting answers and to make sure nothing serious is going on.

    Blood in the stools can be caused by many different things including piles, tears and other inflammatory bowel conditions that aren't cancer, so hopefully there is a simple explanation for yours.

    I hope your appointment goes well and everything will be okay for you.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  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.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

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