Understanding results

Hello

i I don’t know if anyone can help please? Long back story with main symptom being that I can’t eat a meal because I feel full and have pain and stomach issues (not dependent on food type) I’ve had a stool screening done for bowel cancer and I was told the result was ‘4’ satisfactory. I don’t understand what 4 means and am still concerned as I haven’t eaten a meal for a month and have lost 8lbs. I don’t like googling but when I did with the result 4 it didn’t seem satisfactory from what I was reading. Any help please? 

  • Hello Weezie333 and thanks for the post,

    I am sorry to hear about the symptoms you are having, this must be a worry for you.

    If a stool sample that checks for microscopic blood has a result of 10 or above this means it is positive and further investigations such as a colonoscopy are needed. There can be many reasons for blood though that aren't linked to cancer but further tests are usually carried out to make sure nothing serious is going on.

    It seems your level was lower which doesn't warrant further testing in this way. However, if symptoms are ongoing you need to speak with your doctor again so they can reassess you to possibly explore other causes that may also need testing.

    Symptoms can be caused by many factors and most thankfully won't be cancer but it is important to persist with your doctor if things aren't settling or they are getting worse.

    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