Positive FIT test and waiting for urgent referral (42M)

My husband (42M) has been having changing bowel movements and constipation. The GP ordered a FIT test and it’s come back positive at >200 and calprotectic content value at 109. I’m extremely anxious. He also has had a cough on and off (he had the flu a few months ago and since then the cough comes and goes). He’s been referred for an xray and urgent referral for suspected Lower gi cancer and we are waiting for 2ww next steps.  Looking to understand other people experiences and selfishly some reassurance while I wait. I’m thinking the worst and wondering if I need to plan for the worst. 

  • If it's any consolation, when I was 40, I had rectal bleeding, some loose stools (maybe once a week), trapped wind and some weight loss and the consultant said that if my mother came in with those symptoms he'd be worried about bowel cancer but that at my age, the odds were "less than 1%". It turned out to be hemorrhoids, probably combined with the effects of my thyroid medication and possibly some stress from the whole thing.

    I know the symptoms are different, but just to say that even symptoms that would be very concerning for older people are less so at our age.

  • Thanks for your reply. Really helpful to hear other experiences.