Severe Iron Deficiency Anaemia and raised FIT

My partner (M, 30 years old) attended his GP with occasional night sweats (maybe once a month if that) and fatigue a week ago. Blood tests revealed showed severe Iron Deficiency Anaemia with a Hb of 71 and iron 2.

His FIT test has come back positive at over 200. It seems that 200 is the cut off for results in our area. His CRP and ESR are normal, along with normal liver function.

He doesn’t have any particular symptoms, perhaps a slight bit of weight loss at most 3kg but we’ve both been eating better in the last few months. He doesn’t have any change in bowel habit or any abdo pain. As a result of a spinal injury (caused by a benign tumour) he tends be quite constipated.

He is now on the 2ww for an colonoscopy but very worried it could be bowel cancer. Just wanting some reassurance/words of wisdom from people that may have been in a similar position.

  • Welcome to our forum, Coco_sausage.

    I'm sorry to hear that you and your partner are going through such a stressful time at the moment.

    It is completely understandable that you both feel very worried after receiving these results and being placed on the urgent two-week wait referral. Waiting for a colonoscopy and not knowing the cause of the symptoms is often the most difficult part of the process.
    While a raised FIT result and low iron levels certainly require a thorough investigation, it is important to remember that these tests do not give a diagnosis on their own. They are tools the doctors use to see who needs a closer look. There can be various reasons for these findings, and the colonoscopy is the best way to get the clarity you need.
    It is a positive sign that his inflammatory markers and liver function are normal, but I know that waiting for the procedure still feels very heavy. In the meantime, try to take things one day at a time and support each other as much as possible.
    If you would like to speak with someone about this, you can call our at 0808 800 4040. They are available Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, and they are very helpful if you have questions or just need a calm voice to talk to.
    I am keeping everything crossed that the appointment comes through quickly and that you get some reassuring news soon.
    Best wishes,
    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator