Hi,
I have been having rectal bleeding (once every week) for 3 weeks and alsp is passing bloody stool ( half the stool was black and half brown very soft). I sm very worried i have rectal cancer. I did a stool test from the gp 2 weeks ago and the FIT test came back negative but the claprotectin was elevated (55ug). Since then i had more bleeding and blood in stool. They asked me to repeat the test which i did today. Waiting for results. But im very worried about having rectal cancer.
Hello Madie
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Helen, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
Welcome to the online community.
I was sorry to read that you have been experiencing rectal bleeding and that you have passed bloody stools. You have started to have tests which mean you have results to wait for and naturally this has made you feel anxious.
There is no right or wrong way to deal with these feelings. Some people look for more information about cancer during this time. Searching for information can help you feel more in control while you wait for your results. However, if you are not sure of the diagnosis, some information can be confusing and upsetting.
You explained you had a calprotectin poo test, and this came back as slightly raised at 55 ug/g.
Calprotectin is a protein released into the poo when the bowel tract is inflamed. While it can be raised in the presence of a colorectal cancer, its actually a test used more commonly to determine if someone has either irritable bowel syndrome or an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis.
A reading of 100-250 ug/g would indicate possible inflammation caused by IBD, just so you can put your result in some context.
We don’t have access to your NHS notes Madie, but your FIT test was negative, and the GP has requested a second calprotectin specimen. This might suggest they are exploring other causes of the rectal bleeding, rather than a bowel cancer.
I know you are worried, but try, if you can, to remain calm. Make sure you are eating well, taking some exercise each day and prioritising your sleep.
It’s important to look after your mental health while you wait for results, so perhaps minimise time spent googling your symptoms as it will be unhelpful right now - and keep connected to people who are good for you.
I do hope this information is useful.
You can get back in contact by email or webchat if you need further information or support. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.
Best wishes, Helen
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref HM/LB
