Over 60s home testing for bowel Cancer

[FoxLee2]

I have recently done this test and received a letter this morning saying the result was unclear, which was not unusual, and enclosing another kit for me to test again. If this one is 'normal' then in due course I would have to do another one to see that this is 'normal' as well.

What is giving me cause for concern is their switch from the word unclear to normal. This is suggesting to me that they have found something untoward.

Has anyone else taking part in this testing had an unclear result which proved to be nothing to worry about?

[smudge]

I also did this test FoxLee (not very pleasant, but best to be on the safe side).

Mine came back 'clear', which was reassuring.

My husband has just rec'd a pack, so will be doing his test next week.

I'm sure you have nothing to worry about FoxLee & that they are just double checking for whatever reason. Maybe you just had inflammation in the bowel, or something similar.

Let's know how it goes.

[karenmac60]

This happens quite often with smear tests - it doesn't mean there is anything abnormal, just that the test itself has somehow failed. With the case of smear tests it often means they did not manage to collect the correct cells needed to test, but it can also mean the test has been contaminated or not stored properly or something to that effect which means they cannot get an accurate result so want to re-do the test.

[tamirra]

My dad had his results and had to have a colonoscopy which wasn`t too pleasant for him, they found that he had polyps some were just normal polyps that could have just been been left but if got too large then could have been removed, the others would have turned cancerous if left undetected, he had a very large one that was blocking his bottom, they removed them all while the colonoscopy was being carried out, all fine now, just has to have regular yearly colonoscopy`s done to check that when they do return which they will, that they are caughter early enough to prevent cancer. Good luck not too much to owrry about.

[FoxLee2]

Thank you all for your replies.

Tamirra - your father must surely have had some symptoms if he had a large tumour blocking his bowel. I don't have any symptoms like constipation, bleeding, bloating, stomach pains so hopefully that's all good news.

karenmac60 - I know this can happen with smear tests but I wouldn't have thought with the bowel testing. They had enough samples, nothing was contaminated and I followed the instructions to the letter.

Just have to do the test again over the next few days and hope the result will come back normal,

[atsgran]

Mine came back unclear, after doing the test again (twice), it came back normal, better to be safe than sorry

[FoxLee2]

Thanks for your reply atsgran - it's good to know someone else has had the letter that the result was unclear. Were you worried at the time?

[atsgran]

Yes - only natural, was scared to send second one, but knew I had to. I know two people who had to go into hospital for further investigation, but had they not done the test ..... well who knows. Good luck to you

[boxtops]

Hi, the leaflet which comes with the kit says that if the result comes back "unclear" it means there is a slight suggestion of blood in your sample, but that this could be caused by a number of reasons - could be piles or stomach ulcer or polyps that you're not aware you have, they says 4 people in every 100 will initially get an unclear result, and most who repeat the test are then cleared as normal. The booklet says that after an unclear test you need to do up to two repeats to make sure these later two are normal, just to be certain. It's not about contamination of the test samples, there may have been specks of blood in the sample that you couldn't even see. This is all on pages 6 and 7 of the booklet which came with your kit, if you still have it. Good luck - I am still summoning up the enthusiasm to start this procedure myself!

[Mamyalynne]

It may mean thats therea s light suggestion of blood in the sample , but that could be from piles or as has been stated a polyp, and sadly no you do not aways have symptoms. I am sure you will be fine with the next one.

[FoxLee2]

I have just read through the booklet and feel more worried than ever. Still, there's nothing I can do but repeat the test and wait for the result.

Thanks everyone for your input.

[Suzannew]

Hello FoxLee. My husband has just had a rather trautmatic few weeks with this FOB test but with a happy ending. First test was "unclear" second test was "abnormal". Within a week, appt with nurse and then following week colonoscopy. The mind starts to go crazy with worry as you are then getting to the last 10 people as described in the booklet. Of those 10 I think it says 5 will go away with nothing found, 4 will have polyps and one will be found to have cancer. My husband had two polyps and last Friday we had the news everything was fine. So please do not panic if your second test says "abornmal". Good Luck.

[FoxLee2]

SuzanneW - thanks for your story and good wishes. It just seems that everyone I know who has done this testing, has been fine and I assumed it would be the same for me. To get the unclear result and then read the booklet, I am convinced that the next test will be abnormal. Just have to think positively that if there is anything wrong, it will be picked up early.

[Suzannew]

FoxLee, after my husband had the unclear, I just had a feeling the next one would not be normal. If this is the case, please try not to panic. It just means that they have detected blood in the stool, NOT cancer. Polyps bleed, so that must be the case with my husband. They do seem to act quickly though with appts so it is not a long drawn out process. I will keep fingers crossed for you. x

[FoxLee2]

Thanks again, Suzannew

[tamirra]

No the only symptoms he had was occasional bleeding but he put that down to heamaroids.

[FoxLee2]

It's not something that you can buy - if you are over 60, you will automatically receive one in time. I was almost 64 when I received mine whereas cousins a bit younger received theirs a long time before me. So whether it's to do with area, I don't know.

If you are over 60, I'll give you the details and you can phone and ask if they'll send you a kit.

Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Nottingham University Hospitals Trust,
Derby Road,
Nottingham. NG7 2UH

Freephone 0800 707 60 60

and perhaps have your NHS number handy if you phone,

[FoxLee2]

Had my result back today - deep down I knew it would be abnormal. They've already given me an appointment for the 11th for a consultation and then it will be a colonoscopy. Happy Days!

[Suzannew]

FoxLee2, just the same as my husband, but it was all fine, and I am sure you will be the same. Just re-read the literature and try and stay positive. Good Luck.