Can bowel cancer be diagnosed from a stool sample?

[Chicchicchicchiclana]

Elderly relative has been called into GP next week to discuss the results of a stool sample. It shows bleeding. She is very anaemic but otherwise feels completely fine. Should we be expecting the worst?

No but the presence of blood could potentially be a symptom of bowel cancer. They would need further diagnostic tests - a colonoscopy.

There are innocent causes of bleeding such as piles or polyps.

I have several relatives who have been treated for bowel cancer and as far as I know a stool sample can provide an indication of whether there could be cancer- but not a diagnosis. My relatives had follow up tests (colonoscopies etc) quite quickly after an test of a stool sample showed a possibility. If your relative is not showing many symptoms this could be a good sign even if it is cancer- as I know that bowel cancer can be very successfully treated if it's caught early.

I hope your relative is OK

Loads of other potential reasons for blood in stools. They will usually refer for a colonoscopy and / or CT scan and more blood tests.