Question for bowel cancer survivors

[Nogodsnomasters]

Hello,

Has anyone ever been diagnosed with bowel cancer that had normal blood test figures, negative FIT stool sample, no bleeding from the back passage and normal cal protectin test?

I'm asking because I have had these tests and those results so GP will not refer for colonoscopy. I have had trouble with my bowels for over 10yrs but the last 7 months it's ruining my life and the GP is happy to say IBS based on the above. And tbh I'm happy to accept that if that's what it is. But I have health anxiety and the more I suffer the more my brain says "you could have bowel cancer" hence why I'm asking if anyone has ever been diagnosed with it without any of the above red flags. And yes I'm on a waiting list for more counseling and I've already had CBT before and read every self help book going.
Thank you

Can’t help but I’m in a vaguely similar situation, so I’m bumping your post!

Seeking reassurance only makes health anxiety worse.

Have you presented the GP with a diary of your symptoms over the last 7 months and asked how they propose you manage them?

Sorry this will not help your health anxiety . . .

My DH just diagnosed with bowel cancer. Sent in stool sample last year ( over 50’s check), had CT scan and colonoscopy, no sign of cancer. Due to discomfort in side had further CT scan and colonoscopy , showed tumour. Just been operated on and had “ massive” tumour (surgeons description) removed, which has apparently been growing for 2 years.

i honestly don’t know what to make of it, how can it have been missed?!

My honest advice, is if you think there is something wrong, push for investigation. Good luck.

Yes my mother, 6 months ago. Bloods normal and scan normal. Was referred for a colonoscopy for an unrelated reason and there it was, tiny but growing slowly. Please find another GP and insist on a colonoscopy.

My dh too has health anxiety. I always tell him to check out whatever issue he's worried about thoroughly, then forget about it.

I have to add that my mother's tumour was almost missed at colonoscopy, it was in a place which made it almost impossible to see, we were extremely lucky that the consultant was thorough and excellent.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond to me. I'm sorry about your husband, I hope he's recovering well from his operation.
If he was called for a CT scan and colonoscopy AFTER the stool test that indicates that his FIT test was positive for trace amounts of blood. Mine has been negative so I don't think it fits with my situation.

Absolutely it does. Which is why I'm trying to show myself that the likelihood of this happening is very rare.

I've been to the GP 3 times in 7 months. I've been given 2 blood tests, a FIT test, a h-pylori test, a calprotectin test, had my stomach felt, had my stomach listened to by stethoscope, had a rectal examination and had a barium swallow test. They've tried me with fybogel and most recently laxido for the last fortnight.

Thank you. Had she had a FIT stool test that was negative also? What were her symptoms if you don't mind me asking.

What's happening for you?

All you're doing is training your brain that it's right to be anxious. That's what CBT should have taught you.

Besides which, a random straw poll of a tony unrepresentative number of random strangers who could very easily be lying to you doesn't count as any type of evidence and it proves nothing.

If what you were doing was in any way rational you'd be looking at peer reviewed research that could actually be relied upon.

I'm sorry I don't know if my mother had a FIT stool test, but her symptom was not being able to 'go' for 8 days. Her consultant later told her that was not symptomatic of bowel cancer.

If it's any consolation at all @Nogodsnomasters, I had positive fit test, some abnormal blood results and rectal bleeding (calprotectin not completed). Colonoscopy showed haemorrhoids only.

And now you're going to latch onto the one post that reinforces your anxiety. Thus training your brain to stay anxious.

That post could have been made by some bloke from Reddit who gets a kick from winding people up.

If you're unhappy with your medical care ask for a second opinion. Use a diary to make clear how it's affecting your life.

How old are you? In the US, the recommendation is to have a routine colonoscopy every 10 years from the age of 45 or 50, plus yearly FIT tests.

You seem to have had a lot of tests and investigations. They could have ordered a colonoscopy instead.

I think a private colonoscopy costs c. £2000.

Not quite the same & possibly won't help your health anxiety I'm afraid. A relative was diagnosed with bowl cancer around 5 years ago. Was normally healthy, never had a day of work sick etc. He went to work one day not feeling great, was sick upon arrival at work, ended up going to A&E & in the following few days was diagnosed with bowl cancer, apparently his surgeon said it had probably been growing for years & years but he had absolutely no symptoms whatsoever, it came as a great shock to us all. He has monthly treatment now but unfortunately it has spread to various other bits around his body which he is now having radiation treatment for.

I've tried to find studies but nothing with this situation has come up.

Thank you. I have piles confirmed by GP during rectal exam, sometimes they bother me sometimes they dont but no bleeding and negative FIT test.

My symptoms are excessive wind, sometimes trapped and causing pain, on/off bloating, nausea, sometimes straining to go, feeling need to go frequently and between 2-6 bowel movements per day (not liquid), some mucous, undigested food in movements.

I'm 35 and I'm in the UK. I definitely couldn't afford a private colonoscopy.

Let me emphasise that I am not a doctor but, given your age and symptoms, I very much doubt that you have bowel cancer. In your shoes I would do two things:

Address your health anxiety - and other issues, if there are any? - through counseling.

Secondly, review your diet and exercise. Are you eating enough fiber, i.e. vegetables and fruit? Maybe ask your GP if taking Metamucil for a while might be beneficial. Eat moderate amounts of lean protein and some healthy fat and dairy in the form of plain full-fat yogurt and cottage cheese.

Limit the amount of carbohydrates and make sure you mostly eat complex carbs rather than refined carbs. Cut out UPF and sugar altogether.

Exercise for at least 20-30 minutes 4-5 times a week - cardio, strength and endurance. Walk as much as you can.

In other words, focus on living healthily rather than worrying too much about your health.

I have read online that through studies it's been shown that those who have a negative FIT test and are not anemic (shown through blood test) have around a 5% chance of having bowel cancer, which is very small I must admit.

What is metamucil? I've not heard of this sorry.
Yes I have tried to address my health anxiety for many years, I've had CBT and I'm on a wait list for further counseling and I've read several self help books. Sometimes I have it under control and other times it spirals.

I think Metamucil is called Ispaghula in the UK. it's natural supplement that is useful for people who suffer from constipation or dont get enough fibre from their diet.

https://lloydspharmacy.com/blogs/digestive/what-is-psyllium-husk-used-for#:~:text=Psyllium%20husk%20is%20a%20type,in%20the%20UK%20and%20Europe.

Ah thank you, I have tried that already in fybogel. I've now stopped it and moved on to laxido.

How recently was the qfit ? - could u do another ?

Has your b12 been tested ? - can effect bowels