Positive FIT Test but told "too young"

I have been having symptoms lately of Bowel Cancer such as bleeding, pain (cramping), straining etc. I have kept getting told by GP its likely Haemorrhoids and given treatment for that which hasn't worked.

I have significant family history of bowel cancer with 8 family members dying in the last 6 years including my Dad. I have done a FIT test which has come back positive 400+ on the results. I've also had bloods which were a little abnormal. 

My GP referred me to the 2 week wait but this has been rejected because of my age as I'm only 29 so too young for a colonoscopy via this route. I've been referred as urgent now to Gastro but they've said its at least a year wait even as urgent. 

I'm stressing, its taken me a long time to even get people to listen to me to get a FIT test and now I've got to possibly wait a year to even be seen. I understand age is a factor but surely with us having the hereditary gene this trumps my age?

Research shows more people between 20 - 30 are being diagnosed with bowel cancer and the majority of these have the hereditary gene like me. Because of this "too young" thing by the time people my age get diagnosed they're stage 3 / 4. 

I don't know what to do now. How am I supposed to wait a year thinking I could have cancer. It's already taken me months to get to this point, if it is cancer how much is it going to grow in that year wait? 

  • Hello Amy.P

    I'm sorry to hear about all that you've been through and the struggle that you find yourself in with waiting to see a specialist. 

    I'm also sorry to hear about the losses in your family due to bowel cancer. It's understandable that you're concerned. You mention in your post that you have a hereditary gene. I presume that you have been through genetic testing due to your family history and that your GP is aware of the results. Do you know if your family history and genetic results were included in your referral to the gastric specialists? It's worth checking this with your GP and making sure that the hospital is aware of this information. I'd also discuss your concerns with the GP and ask what further support they can offer. 

    You could also speak with the hospital team and let them know that you'd like to be considered for any short-notice appointments that become available due to a cancellation. 

    If it would help to talk with one of our nurses for some advice and support, you can call our team of nurses on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I do hope that you get answers soon. Let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi Jenn, thanks for the reply. Yes after my dads death I gave permission for the cells to be tested for the gene and its been confirmed. I don't know if there is a test to check I have it personally but the gene is in the family. I have informed the GP of this and about all the family members. My aunts and uncles all do screening because of Dad too. In terms of the referral the only bit I can see is it says "Family History" but doesn't go into any more detail than this. 

    I have previously had surgery for endometriosis and the problem I find is it keeps being fobbed off as that despite the fact when I had my endometriosis surgery he said I had loads of adhesion but they weren't endometriosis he doesn't know what it was but he removed them all anyway. Despite this it still gets put down as endometriosis and I'm told to take pain killers. It just feels like they refuse to investigate because I've got something wrong with me so it must be that causing everything. Even now looking at my app the referral to Gastro says "They have reviewed your referral and advised your referrer to consider a different course of action" so looks like I'm probably being sent back to someone else.