Hi Kerry and thank you for your post.

I’m sorry you are worried about your recent symptoms and can understand you wanting to find out more.

Anyone who is found to be anaemic will require further tests to find the cause of the anaemia.

The FIT (faecal immunochemical test) is done to test for 'hidden' blood in poo. This is blood that cannot be seen by the naked eye. 

If your GP informs you that your FIT test is positive then , this does not mean it is cancer, nor does it necessarily mean that you are at a higher risk of it being cancer. Finding blood means that further tests are needed such as a colonoscopy so the doctor can take a closer look at the bowel.

Most people referred to the hospital with a positive FIT test will not have cancer. As well as ruling out cancer, the doctors will be looking for other non-cancerous conditions such as polyps or other inflammatory bowel conditions.

People often experience a whole range of emotions when waiting for results. We know that talking can often relieve some of the distress and anxiety. There's some useful advice about talking therapies and how to access them on the NHS website. In the meantime,  Anxiety UKhas a good website with helpful tips on how to deal with anxiety in these situations. 

I really hope you know more soon and that 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 5 pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards

Tina

• Thank you Tina. What a quick reply. Unfortunately, it has come back positive and I have been referred for an urgent colonoscopy. I was in a bad way this afternoon but hubby has been great. 
  your words were reassuring although as an already anxious person, I tend to think the worst. 
  I am so glad I found this site though. I feel now that I have some support from people like yourself who are very knowledgeable in this field and that means a lot. So thank you . 
  kerry