I am much younger than your mum and haven't had the same thing, but I would think the odds are against her having bowel cancer. Only something like 10% of positive FIT tests get a result of bowel cancer and while she does have other symptoms, most of them are fairly common. Going once a day is perfectly normal.

Do you know what her FIT result was? If it's on the lower side - say, in double figures - I think the odds of bowel cancer are lower. That's not to say bowel cancer is the most likely explanation, even if the numbers are very high - there are people here who have had really high results and it has turned out not to be cancer. Things like diverticulitis are other options. 

Thanks for you reply, I dont think they said the amount, I know its not visible when my mum looks, but I doubt that has a bearing on the figure. I think the fact she has the 2 main symptoms of positive test and change in bowel movements, makes it feel like a slam dunk.

That definitely doesn't mean it's a slam dunk. As I said I am much younger than your mum, but last summer I had a change in bowel movements, visible rectal bleeding and weight loss and the consultant said the odds of it being bowel cancer were virtually nil. Now, he did say it would be higher if my mother (who is your mother's age) had the same symptoms, but by higher, he meant "I'd be considering it as one possible option of many whereas at your age, I'd be utterly shocked if it were the explanation."

Even with both and an older age, it's still more likely it's not bowel cancer than that it is. Though I can imagine that is limited consolation to her as any chance at all of cancer is terrifying.

Thank you for your replies. I lost my sister to glioblastoma in March, so our fears of cancer are intensified. I just feel like we have run out of non cancerous things it might be, shes ticking all the boxes. I'm worried about the colonoscopy because 20 years ago she had part of her bowel removed due to twisted bowel. Sorry to go on, I am struggling to cope right now, lifes just on hold.

Also what seems odd, after mum had the 'finger test', she doesnt recall the doctor saying anything. Would they have said if lumps were found?

I was referred to colorectal as l had bowel changes and pain on the left side. The colonoscopy revealed complex ovarian cysts. These were removed in October fortunately benign but as lm nearly your mums age better to remove than wait and see if they got bigger. Blood in your mums fit test can be from piles or scratches. 
Google only give the worst outcomes so probably best to wait for a diagnosis before looking things up. 
The GPS are really keen to refer you on at the moment lve been to colorectal. Gynaecology oncology and breast clinic in the last 9 months. I've had gynae surgery   that took 4 1/2 hrs and been referred to another clinic by breast services  You only have to ring twice and they refer you. Especially if over 65 l know they don't want to miss anything but sometimes you could give things a chance to return to normal. 
lts hard not to worried about what's happening, Time drags while you wait for appointments giving you to much time to think the worst. Try to keep mum busy. 

my colonoscopy was within two weeks and my results were by phone the next week referring me to gynaecology two weeks later. 
take care 

Susie 
 

Thanks for your message, mum's just had a call saying there is a cancellation and to come in this Friday for the colonoscopy. I'm in bits, she's all I have now, I want to be strong but I'm hopeless when it comes to my mums health.

Hi

I'm younger than your Mum and have had BC twice, first time no visible blood but second time loads.

The new FIT test can trace even small amounts of blood so a pile or tear would give a positive result.

Never google.... everyone is different and has different symptoms it fills your head with dread, most of the time when there's no need to. 

Has your Mums bloods shown anaemia?

Thanks for replying, I know I shouldnt google, but of course I have. She had a routine negative fit test last April. She didnt have an anaemia blood test, only an ESR. I said earlier she has rheumatoid arthiritis, which can affect the result, but I was mistaken, its a different type. That test was high.

This last week she has gone back to being constipated, which is her norm (but of course a symptom), but no pain or visible blood. The previous 6 weeks her bowel urgency had been extreme but on average once a day.

I try not to think the worst, losing my sister in March was devastating, 2 weeks of headaches to being told its GBM4, was so unexpected. I think it triggered health anxiety in us both, because I never dreamed she would be diagnosed with cancer.

Edit: she's found out today her fit test count was 30

I wanted to update, despite having severe loose bowels, urgency, blood / positive fit test and reduction in appetite and being old and overweight, the colonoscopy was completely clear. You can see above how convinced I was it was cancer. The doc has taken samples from throughout the bowel to check for bacteria/infection, but no polyps or cancer, just a couple of hemmaroids.

Thanks to those who replied to me and as an obsessive reader of this site the last few weeks, I hope this message will reassure people with similar symptoms.

I'm delighted to hear she got good news. You can both relax now.