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. 

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?