Bowel cancer tests, surveillance and scan anxiety
Friday 20 May 2022
Since our patron Dame Deborah James shared details of her deteriorating health and the fund she has set up to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK, Cancer Research UK and the Royal Marsden, there has been a spotlight on bowel cancer in the media. We've seen an increase in emails to our Ask the Nurse service, with people wanting to find out more about having tests, ongoing surveillance and scan anxiety.
Waiting for test results is always an anxious time, whether it's to find out if you have bowel cancer or to monitor your progress with regular surveillance following a diagnosis.
The first positive step is having the test in the first place. This means you've had your symptoms recognised or are following your surveillance plan and taking control of managing your health. Tests for bowel cancer can include endoscopy, colonoscopy and the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). You can find out more about them here.
Many test results come back normal, but we know it's natural to worry until you receive yours. There are some techniques that can help, for example talking to people you are close to such as your partner, family, friends, work colleagues or neighbours, finding ways to help you relax, and getting plenty of sleep. We have more information about managing fear and anxiety here.
Sometimes it can take a little while for test results to come back – this is nothing to worry about as it means healthcare professionals involved in your care are being consulted and involved in your treatment plan.
If your test results show that you do need more tests or treatment, please remember that your clinical teams will be working hard to work out the best treatment plan for you and will do all they can to help.
We are also here to help and we offer a range of information and support you might find useful, including:
- our free publications that are full of expert information
- a welcoming forum for everyone affected by bowel cancer to ask questions, read about people's experiences and support each other
- a range of Facebook groups offering help and support for anyone affected by bowel cancer
- Chat Together, our online support groups for everyone affected by bowel cancer
- real life stories of people affected by the disease
- online events to help people living with bowel cancer to learn more about their condition and to connect with others
