At a similar stage. Had routine bloods which showed anaemia.Had an endoscopy this morning and cancer was present in the lower colon. I didn’t have many symptoms, just loose stools, but no blood.The surgeon says everything else is clear. Pretty terrified, but it is better to know than be in the dark.

Hello NewMember and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your situation.

Your case will now be discussed at a large formal meeting called an MDT where the doctors will discuss your next steps. We have some information on our website about how treatment decisions are made.

You may well be given a bowel cancer nurse who will hopefully be around to help answer any questions.

Try and keep yourself busy whilst you are waiting for results.

If you would like to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a ring.

The number to call is freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine

Hello Malijoy and thank you for your post,

The doctors will want to find out what is causing the anaemia and the blood in the poo and will likely want to check the bowel usually by doing a colonoscopy, (a camera test to look at the bowel lining). Depending on your situation, they may also want to look into your stomach to check for any bleeding using a camera called a gastroscopy. They will be ruling out anything serious such as cancer, but it is important to know there could be several reasons, such as a polyp.

Unfortunately, until you see the consultant and have any necessary tests no one can say what the cause is. Waiting for test and test results can be an anxious and stressful time, and it can be a time of uncertainty, and some people may feel they have no control over what will happen to them. There is no right way or wrong way to deal with these feelings. For some people it can be helpful to be distracted with daily activities such as going to work and for others this may not help.

I hope you do not have to wait too long for your appointment with the consultant. In the meantime please feel free to contact us again. If you would like to speak with one of the nurses on the helpline we are available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

take care,

Jemma