Hi Darrenc and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to learn that you have symptoms that are causing you concern.

I appreciate that this must be a worrying time for you.

A positive FIT test means that microscopic blood has been detected in the stools. Whilst this warrants further urgent investigation through tests such as a colonoscopy ( camera looking 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 Crohn’s, diverticular disease, haemorrhoids or polyps.

Most people will say that a colonoscopy is generally not painful, though it can cause some discomfort, bloating, or cramping due to air introduced to inflate the colon for a better view. Most people can receive sedation and pain medication, which helps them relax.

You may like to read about colonoscopy on the NHS website.  

I hope this information helps and everything goes well.

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