High FIT test and all was okay?

[Sprattocatchamackerel]

Looking for some hopefully positive stories to stop myself spiralling. I have a colonoscopy scheduled on Monday and I feel sick with fear.

I’m 35 with young kids 3 & 2 and was put on the 2 week cancer pathway after seeing blood in my poo for a couple of weeks and a high FIT test result (172). Bloods appear to be normal on the NHS app (or at least within the range given) but a couple on the lower end of normal including ferritin level of 16 and folate level of 5.4 which are both borderline and googling tells me can be indicative of cancer. I was prescribed iron tablets when pregnant with my DD just over 2 years ago and I feel terrified that I could have had cancer since then and I’m absolutely on the edge of a breakdown. I have a DH who is lovely but very much of the mindset of “don’t worry about something that hasn’t happened yet” and I can’t bring myself to offload my worries on to anyone else. I’m really spiralling into panic and if anyone can help this evening I’d be so grateful.

Me, earlier this year. I had some polyps removed during the colonoscopy which turned out to be benign and in his report the consultant also pointed to piles causing the visible blood.

I absolutely understand your worry but it is unlikely to be cancer. Realistically it’s also unlikely to be the last referral in your life on a 2 week pathway so it’s worth trying to find some mental tools to manage the fear.

Hang in there.

My friend had a high FIT test, I can’t remember the number but it was in the ‘could be cancer’ range for sure as she was also spinning out. Turned out to be a couple of polyps that were safely removed and she’s fine two years on. I know you must be terrified but it’s common for these things to turn out to be benign. There are a raft of other symptoms that would be expected if it were bowel or colon cancer, very unusual toilet habits, losing weight very rapidly for eg. I hope everything turns out ok for you @Sprattocatchamackerel xx remember there are also lots of amazing treatments out there these days should the unlikely happen xx

My mum had a high FIT test result at the end of last year after seeing blood in her stool. I can't remember the exact number but it was higher than yours. She had a colonoscopy on the 2ww cancer pathway and it was completely fine. Just internal hemorrhoids. They told her there and then at the colonoscopy appointment.
The cancer pathway does sound really scary but it's actually a really percentage of referrals actually turn out to be cancer. And only a small number of positive FIT tests end up being cancer too. Your anxiety is completely understandable but the likelihood is there's nothing to worry about, especially at your age. Hope it all goes ok for you on Monday xx

I had this last year, my FIT was 233 and I also regularly have low ferritin and folate. I was also 35, with 2 young kids and was really worried. They didn’t find anything, not even polyps, and the same as the above poster, they said the blood must have come from piles.

Mine wasn't quite so high as yours @Sprattocatchamackerel but GP was quick to reassure me when it came back positive that it was vastly more likely the colonoscopy would rule cancer out than rule it in. Colonoscopy showed nothing more sinister than internal haemorrhoids.

Totally understand the worry, hope you don't have too long to wait

I also had a very high FIT test and anaemia for 10 years. Turned out it was becsuse I'm an undiagnosed coeliac. I'm 63.