Routine checks

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Hi

I'm almost 6 years post treatment and have just received my first kit to check for bowel cancer. Just wondering whether anyone else has done these. I'm really worried that because I often have blood still after a poo (all confirmed as no issues, just weak skin tearing), that it will show up as something of concern, then I'll get called back, I'll panic like mad etc etc. 

Anyone got any reassurance to stop me worrying! 

Debh

  • Hi  ,

    I did my first bowel screening 2 years ago at 58 so I would have been approaching the 6 years post treatment mark. On the letter I received it stated if you’d had any form of bowel surgeries or interventions & wanted to take the test (which I did) then to give the bowel screening unit a call to discuss. I spoke with a wonderful nurse who was very empathetic, I explained about my diagnosis & subsequent treatment & that sometimes I would have a little blood, especially after a particularly difficult bowel movement, she said the only thing the test does is look for traces of blood in the sample it can’t detect where the blood has come from. She said in view of my history not to panic if I was recalled for further tests as the likelihood would be if blood was detected it would be nothing to be concerned about. My results came back completely clear. I’ve just received notification that another test kit is winging its way to me so I’ll make the call again before I do it just in case a note wasn’t added to my file. 

    Hope that helps a little. 

    Nicola 

  • Hi

    Don't really know if this is any help or not. I had to do the poo test while I was being diagnosed with ac. I had a little blood occasionally on wiping and I mean a microscopic amount and my poo test came back clear. Xx

  • Hello Debh

    I received a kit through the post whilst I was having treatment!  I emailed them and told them and actually had a response which both surprised and impressed me and they said they had noted it on file and I would start getting reminders in a few years.  

    Please don't worry - I had blood with a tiny hard poo!

    Irene xx