Symptoms

[Peppermint_Moth]

Hi

I had a recent FIT test, consequent to bowel changes and possible other symptoms. I was concerned the result was over 400

I have been told i have 80% chance of malignancy and am awaiting the result of a CT colon, but haven’t lost weight. I feel very tired but not awful.

Given my symptoms aren’t severe, I’m wondering whether someone knows what are my chances of me having stage 4. Thanks

Peter

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Peppermint_Moth,

Thanks for posting with us. Any positive FIT value means there is blood in the stool and there needs to be an answer. Yes, a high value can be more concerning. But there are many more factors in order to come up with a diagnosis just based on a fit value. Age plays a major role and fitness does as well. Your main focus should be to find out the cause of there being blood in the stool. I would hope you’re being scheduled for a colonoscopy. The CT scan will be able to see if there’s any tumors associated with the issue. But you should be getting a colonoscopy to see what’s going on and causing the blood. The CT scan will not be able to determine that.

What other symptoms are you experiencing? Bowel changes and blood in the stool are things that need to be checked out. Have you had any abdominal pain? Are there any hereditary aspects to cancer within your family? How long have you been experiencing these symptoms? For stage four colon cancer to occur, it takes a long time. That's why colon cancer is highly preventable if caught early.

I had stage four colon cancer. I had a tumor that perforated the colon wall and the cancer had metastasized to another area of my body. I’ll never forget my doctor telling me that the tumor they took out of me in 2012 was a polyp in 2006. I did not have a lot of symptoms. The symptoms I experienced were happening within months of me being diagnosed. Now I was not particularly attentive in looking for symptoms. But I did have a change in stool, and I did have some abdominal pain. It started when it hurt to eat a large meal. So I just quit eating large meals. I do not ever recall having blood in the stool. That’s not to say it wasn’t there and I just didn’t see it.

I do wish you the best in finding out what’s going on. It’s good that you’re getting a CT scan, but you need to get a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy is the gold standard of finding out what’s going on in the colon. I get a colonoscopy every year and a CT scan every year. Each has its benefits, but both are required as a part of my surveillance to detect if I’m going to have a cancer recurrence. So please, get that colonoscopy.👍😁❤️

Thank you,

~Tom, GCCA Survivor - Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.

Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.

[Peppermint_Moth in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Thank you so much Tom. I really appreciate you making the effort. I’ll keep chasing for the results and a Colonoscopy

[tippy1959]

I am waiting a colonoscopy too funnily enough my fit test is 400+ and I'm under the cancer 14 day pathway.im trying to remain positive I'm 64. Good luck 😀

[Peppermint_Moth]

just an update. Between a CT scan and sigmoidoscopy I’ve just been given the all clear despite a FIT test of >400. Just to give some sense of hope. Thank you for all the support; this is a good place ! 😌