Does anyone else get ridiculously nervous waiting for screening test results?

[isitnearlytime]

Now I'm over 50 I get offered 3 yearly mammograms, bowel cancer FIT test as well as smear tests which is obviously a good thing. However, as I've got older I've become increasingly terrified of receiving the results, to the point it almost puts me off doing the test! Currently waiting for FIT test results and panic everytime I see the postman! I've no reason to think the test will be positive (no symptoms whatsoever), but still...

I’m over 50 and I’ve not had a FIT test.
No, I don’t worry, as it won’t change the result. In fact you’ve reminded me that I’ve not heard back from my hysteroscopy biopsy yet.

I've had breast cancer but even that doesn't make me anxious about routine tests. In fact I'm often surprised when I get results as I've forgotten. I don't know what a FIT test is?
I'm currently waiting for some test results on a 2ww cancer referral, I don't think it's cancer but will be relieved when I get results. Been waiting 3 weeks now.

FIT testing is the delightful poo testing that used to start at 60 but is now being rolled out to the over 50s.

I have to say, although I like to have planned for everything (we currently have three plans in place for DS' A level results this summer) I actually don't do that for the screening test. I think that's because I know the next step would always be further investigations, you're never going to get a result back that says 'you definitely have cancer'. I half expected a recall for my first mammogram but that's because it's more common on the first one, with no previous images to compare to. (In fact I got the all clear with no recall).

Weirdly I never used to be this way. When I had my first mammogram about 10 years ago it never occurred to me it would be anything other than normal (it was) and don't recall sweating on the post. Same with smears. Must be an age/menopause thing. I've even starting to worry about routine dental, optician appointments etc, in case they find something bad. This is my first FIT and I'm nearly the age my dad was when he was diagnosed with bc, which may well be a factor!

I remember getting anxious when I approached the age my DF died. It will pass.

Yes I get nervous. I do always make myself go because I know it won't change the results. I've been diagnosed with health anxiety in the past which I manage generally quite well now. Until something comes up - either symptoms or a scheduled test.

Coming back from holiday a couple of years ago I was very anxious and unable to enjoy the return journey remembering that my latest routine mammogram results were going to be lying on the doormat.

Also, statistics generally don't go in our favour as we age. And we tend to have more evidence of our genetic makeup; parents and grandparents have often been graphic indicators as we get older.

I don't get nervous about health screening but I do get nervous when the car is due its MOT.

I'm in my 60s, and having had various Xrays, CTs, nerve conduction tests, and MRI scans - including 2 brain MRIs - (they found a benign tumour), I just take things as they come. No point in worrying about what something might be. If and when something shows up that isn't quite right, that's the time.

@tobee that's why I never take tests knowing I'll be away when the results come back, would ruin my holiday.

No result yesterday, today will be a week since I sent it off and they said within 2 weeks so should be any day, won't rest till I know all OK. Then I have a mammogram in 2 weeks so the anxiety starts all over again......

I didn't worry about my screening mammogram result until I saw a fat envelope. Oh crap I thought- it contains appointment details. Nope- it was a breast care leaflet🤦🏼‍♀️. Panic over

I don’t - I just get a bit impatient waiting and I had a lot of tests in the last year with the final diagnosis of a blood cancer. However my husband does. Worry/stress saps energy. I decided that as I don’t have so much energy in the first place, I definitely don’t have enough to waste it on worrying! Haven’t found a solution to stop DH from worrying so much though.

Postie has just delivered my negative result - phew! Till the next time.......