Bowel Cancer Screening Test positive

SuperTinny, thanks for taking the trouble to write such a detailed reply, you’re seem very knowledgeable about it all and I appreciate your concerns.

Yes it was a routine screening, not one as a result of symptoms.

The person who told me it may be a six week wait was not someone involved in the screening programme but someone I know who works as a medical receptionist and so sees a lot of results come back.

I’ve decided not to do anything until I’ve spoken with the NHS screening practitioner tomorrow. Then I’ll know for definite how long I have to wait.

The only reason I would opt to go private is it was going to be a lengthy wait and if I still felt thought this was unbearable/unmanageable for me. At the moment, I can’t say that I’m feeling completely unconcerned, but my anxiety level have dropped considerably . This is due to the fantastic support I’ve received from you all on here (and from my family of course.
Hopefully, this feeling will continue and I’ll be able to manage

I have had abnormal tests for a few years now, have had all the tests and in November they said I had unknown benign spots in my stomach which they cauterised. So it's not always the worst prognosis. Please try not to worry.

ethically they should refuse why?

Just went back and read the whole thread. I just want to re-iterate how unwise it would be to have a private colonoscopy.

Your GP is absolutely correct when they say you will fall between two systems.

The bowel cancer screening programme is an automated centralised system. Patients receive a kit when they reach the age threshold.

The nurses who have seen you will have been inputting all of your data (everything they have discussed with you) onto the regional hub electronic notes system. The system is monitored and measured for quality standards.

The nurses are specialist bowel cancer screening nurses who have had extra training and a year long course of study to assist the consultants in gathering the data every step of the way.
The consultants themselves have also had extra training to carry out colonoscopies under the umbrella of the bowel cancer screening programme. Not every consultant is qualified to do so.
It is very thorough with timings of insertion, to certain landmarks and withdrawal times all recorded on the system. All of this data will inform next steps (if any).
It will inform the tests of the future (because of course you will be sent another).

None of this will happen in a private setting and as I've already mentioned there is a high probability you could get lost to follow up. The poster who mentioned blithley that NHS operations take place in private settings all the time.

Well, that's is true but only when a legal contract has been agreed and robust reporting pathways set up. It doesn't happen on a whim.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if whomever you see privately refused to do it because of this (ethically they should refuse). So you would have a waste of a consultation fee.

Lots of good positive posts Sillyoldbird - I’m sure everything will turn out alright 🍀

Was this a routine bowel cancer screening test? No symptoms?

If so the tests are incredibly sensitive and can detect the tiniest amount of blood, even if it has come from your gum or teeth when you were brushing your teeth. I wouldn't be too concerned at this stage.

Please keep to the programme. You will upset the data and the algorithm if you go private and may find you get lost to follow up, if any is required.

There will be no automatic NHS record of you having had a colonoscopy if you go private. And it is the NHS who have called you for this.

There is a quality standard for the bowel cancer screening programme to arrange colonoscopy within two weeks. There may be a little bit of a delay because endoscopy services are all running behind at the moment but telling you it could be up to a six week wait is unhelpful. You would be within your rights to complain about this remark.

I had a positive result 20 years ago and it turned out to be polyps but I still remember the stone cold fear I experienced when given the initial result. Try to stay positive, get the test done and very best of luck xxx

Oh yes. My husband was told lots of vaseline - I had forgotten about that. And he was advised to use wet toilet wipes after each trip to the toilet.

He came away unscathed!

PS - I forgot to say - before the colonoscopy you will be given something like Picolax to clear the bowels. Buy yourself some zinc cream or any nappy rash cream and anoint yourself with it BEFORE it works as well as afterwards. Nobody told me, I had a very sore bum as a result of not using it first. 🤣👍

Mum has that, caused months of bleeding, couldn’t do the camera job as said her bowel wasn’t prepped properly, they gave her a ct scan instead! Treated with steroids & antibiotics.

In 2012 I had positive results too. Before he took things any further the consultant asked if I had been given information on the things I could and couldn’t eat before I took the NHS home test. I hadn’t. He explained that the test looks for digested blood and some years previously there was concern that a great many tests had come back positive from the north of England. It was discovered that black pudding was very popular in the region, and of course, black pudding is made from pigs blood - hence the number of positive results. Make sure you only eat “white food” for 24 hours before the test and any necessary subsequent colonoscopies. White food is things like bread, potatoes, fish, etc. nothing meaty or even things like red jelly. In my case I already suffered from anemia and colonoscopies, endoscopies and eventually a swallowed camera found it was caused by weeping blood vessels in the small intestines. As a result I was first put on iron tablets (which played hell with my insides) so instead I now have an half an hour iron infusion twice a year and feel great! My advice is stay positive until you’re told different. There are many benign reasons why you have had a “positive” result. All the best my friend. I wish you well.

I had positive result when living in France in 2010. Had a colonoscopy, then a lot of colon removed. Returned in 2011 had a liver re section (secondary tumours in liver). chemotherapy, Returned again in 2012 ...Given a terminal diagnoses. Then given radio frequency ablation for the tumours at the top of the liver. However awful it sounds, I am still here ! Now spending time travelling and living life each day ....... Bowel Cancer UK and McMillan have sites online which can help ! Dont give up ........ Bon courage as they say in France 1

I am a worrier too Sillyoldbird, especially about health matters. Both my father and brother had colorectal cancer and I managed to work myself up into a right state when I had a colonoscopy a year ago due to family history. I also have IBS so questions about any alteration in bowel habits are meaningless. The preparation for the colonoscopy wasnt pleasant, but having been through it once I wouldnt be worried if I had to have another. I chose pain relief. It was very nice, a floaty feeling as if you have had one too many drinks. I felt no pain whatsoever at any point. My results were clear although they did find hemorrhoids which was news to me. The post procedure relief was huge.

Oh yes, and my mother-in-law has very high BP and they still did hers.
Please don't worry about that. It's not an "operation" as in putting you completely to sleep.

Labradors, I’m looking forward to hearing the colon stories - not! 😁

Regarding possible causes, I’m leaning towards piles (not literally 🥴) or a given my recent stomach pain and indigestion-like symptoms perhaps another ulcer.

My lovely daughter is warning me off self-diagnosis, which is probably wise.

But at least I’m starting to feel a bit more optimistic, thanks to all the advice on here.

Hi SillyOldBird,

I presume you've had the faecal blood test which as it says has detected blood in your poo and that the colonoscopy has been arranged , probably automatically, as a result of the test.
Point to note the Colonoscopy is the Gold Standard Diagnostic Test for identifying bowel problems which can be many things other than cancer so its good that you're getting one.
I , too , have had "Issues " in that area so I know whereof I speak.I have lost count of how many colonoscopies I've had as I've been on surveillance for the last 10 years.
Repeating some of the excellent posts here:
The blood will not necessarily be caused by cancer.Not being flippant you might have bad internal piles or diverticulitis as people have suggested.
Re speed if you're very anxious getting a private test might be best for you.
Re the actual tests I agree the pre-test purgative drink is the worst thing about the test.
Take the mild sedative they offer, only for the anxiety. I always do and I usually drop off to sleep and wake up when its all over !
I'm sure the outcome will be fine but even if you were to have , say , a diagnosis of a few small polyps in the colon, early diagnosis is best as we all know. No use telling an anxious person not to worry but we are all rooting for you so let us know how you get on.
Best Wishes
PS After you have your results come back and ask me about some of my colon stories. The tales I can tell......

I’m glad I made you smile.

Thanks. No it isn’t fun when it’s flaring but I’ve been in remission for over three years so all good for the moment.

I hope you get a date for you procedure soon. Any questions, just ask. Try not to worry.

Yes that’s a good point Tinsoldier.

Thanks for the details about the colonoscopy process -your comments about ‘going round the bends’ made me smile - though I realise Crohn’s is no laughing matter. I hope it’s all going ok for you

You asked if anyone had any positive experiences they can share. Your brother’s experience is a positive one.

As others have said, the screening test will pick up the minutest trace of blood which could have any number of causes. I understand that there’s family history but you could be worrying yourself into a frazzle over something as commonplace as a haemorrhoid. If you feel well otherwise, please try not to worry.

As far as I know, having private diagnostics would not prevent ongoing NHS care were anything to be found. A lot of NHS work is carried out in private hospitals anyway so liasion between the two systems is commonplace.

I have Crohn’s so have to have regular colonoscopies. I don’t have sedation. I rather like watching the screen and being able to talk to the doctor performing the procedure. It can be a bit uncomfortable going round the bends - the splenic and hepatic flexures either side of the transverse colon - but a gulp of Entonox (gas and air) helps with any discomfort or anxiety.

You’ve all been so lovely. Thanks again 😘

Of course you want it done asap, I completely understand.
Sending you my very best wishes

Greciangirl

I wouldn’t be in any hurry to have a colonoscopy.
It’s quite unpleasant.

Make sure they give you plenty of pain relief.

The worst part is the awful laxative drink you have to take the night before.

Whilst I’m not looking forward to it, I am in a hurry to get it over and done with!

I can cope with the awfulness of the process but the wondering is excruciating

I believe the test is to look for occult ( hidden blood ) so could be other reasons than cancer - such as polyps , haemorrhoids so try not to worry too much and it is good they want to investigate following the positive result. My friend was very worried too but after extensive investigations it turned out to be a harmless polyp . Good luck 🍀 !

This is just about the worst advice I've ever read.

I wouldn’t be in any hurry to have a colonoscopy.
It’s quite unpleasant.

Make sure they give you plenty of pain relief.

The worst part is the awful laxative drink you have to take the night before.