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Can iron supplements affect FIT result?

Bunny71
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I have been taking iron supplements (Sytron) for about a month due to anaemia - most likely caused by extremely heavy periods.  My GP recently suggested that I do a FIT test as a double check and it's come back positive.  I have no other symptoms other than constipation and occasional diarrhoea which is normal for me.  I now find that I'm booked in for an urgent colonscopy in 2 weeks.  I've read this weekend that the FIT test shouldn't be done whilst taking iron supplements so now worried that my  FIT might be a false positive and I'm having the colonscopy unnecessarily.

Has anyone else had a similar scenario?

  • Hey Bunny, 

    I'm sorry about the positive FIT result you've had and for the worry you have about the outcome being affected by your iron supplements. 

    Although I can't answer this question, our team of nurses may be able to help so if you'd like to get their thoughts on this you can contact them on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. If you haven't done so already, do be sure to ask your doctor about this as well as they're in the best position to give you the answers you're seeking and put your mind at ease.

    Hopefully some of our members who have been in similar situations will share their experiences with you soon but in the meantime, we're thinking of you and wishing you all the best with your colonoscopy if it goes ahead. 

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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