Iron deficiency. Bowel cancer? Something else?

[Whatisthisshitstorm]

I’m not sure what to think. My iron levels are very low (5) but further blood tests have revealed that although I am severely iron deficient, I am not anaemic. I’m not really sure what the difference is and whether it matters.

I’ve immediately been referred for various scams and tests including an urgent colonoscopy because I’ve been out on the cancer pathway. I know that iron deficiency can be a symptom of bowel cancer, but I have no other symptoms of it at all. No discomfort, no diarrhoea or constipation, no blood or mucus in my stool. All feels well.

But if it’s not that then what is the cause? My periods are light and easy, I have a healthy diet with plenty of sources of iron, no injuries, I don’t take any medication, I don’t over exercise. I don’t understand. Is it likely to be cancer? Or what?

This was me three years ago.

Don't panic! Some of us are just not very good at eating (or we eat it with things that reduce it) or processing iron.
When I got to the consultant, she said that as there was no blood (or min levels) in my sample, I didn't actually need a colonoscopy. A few years and routine iron tests later, I just take a maintenance dose.

Thank you @Datafan55 . That is reassuring. I asked if I could provide a stool sample so they could check it for blood but they said no, they want to go straight for the colonoscopy. Like…calm down guys!

How old are you? Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia (thought you arent, so ?) is a red flag in lots of contexts. It's a betted-safe-than-sorry approach. How old are you, out of interest?

I was the same at the beginning of the year ferritin and iron both 5 I felt shocking. Lots of blood test and a FIT test later but no cause was found. Levels are now good again after 3 months of iron supplements. Sometimes no reason can be found so hopefully that will be the case for you try not to worry if you don't have other symptoms.

@Whatisthisshitstorm Ha, just twigged your user name!

Odd they don't want a sample - you'd have thought it would be quite standard.

(I had the low iron and blood in sample, but also a change in bowel habits. GP was a bit panicked but the consultant completely calm.

I remember her feeling my tummy etc (normal size organs) and asking if things like the colour had changed. Decreed okay, and I did a couple of standard blood tests (like coeliac) on the way out).

Hi OP

Don't panic! There are many issues which can cause iron deficiency other than something sinister. I have been in a similar situation to you and after endoscopy (both ends) I was found to have a malabsorption problem in my stomach. A bit like coeliac but more rare and exotic! That was only found by taking biopsies during endoscopy so it might be that you'll have to go through that in order to find answers. It's not the most fun you've ever had but it's over quickly and just take all the sedation offered.
I now have 6 monthly iron infusions to top up my levels. In your shoes I would ask for this now as the iron tablet replacement takes several months to increase your levels and if you have an absorption issue it could take even longer.
By the way, anaemia is when your haemoglobin level falls below the normal range whereas iron deficiency is when your general iron stores are low. Assuming your iron store (ferritin) is 5 you are almost running on empty. Absolute iron deficiency is defined as a ferritin level below 30, although for some mysterious reason the NHS minimum level is usually set around 10-12.

Hope that helps. Happy to help further if I can.

I’m 51. Never had any health problems at all, rarely even catch a cold and even then it’s mild. Not even any perimenopause symptoms yet.

Thank you, this is really useful info.