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Immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test

I am 44 year old female and in general excellent health.  A routine health examination gave a positive FOB test (twice).  I have no history of parents with cancer (both 78) and have never suffered from any gastric disorders.  My motions are morning/regular and soft.  The result was a complete surprise and all other tests (blood/urine) etc were totally normal.  I have had one large external pile for 8 years since delivering my children, but have never experienced any discomfort/bleeding.  I do not suffer from any aches/cramps etc, in fact I consider my digestion extremely healthy.  I do not eat red meat or fat and my diet many consiists of fruit/pulses/fish, life-non smoker, 1/2 units alcohol per week.  My doctor has recommended a colonoscopy with general anaesthetic.  I am reluctant as would prefer the barium enema/sigmoidoscopy route and eleminate things as I go along.  I have never had any form or anesthesia/sedation apart from gas and air during delivery which I reacted very badly to, especially anxiety and paranoia.  I personally feel an invasive procedure is a little too premature (as there is evidence of piles) and would rather go that route if the barium enema or sigmodoscopy led in that direction.  I also have impacted wisdom teeth which bleed on brushing, but I was advised this would not affect an immunochemical test. Are they any other alternatives you could recommend such as blood tests/dna etc.  I just want to rule out cancer, it there is anything else causing the bleeding such as ulcer etc I am happy to leave well alone as I am in no discomfort.  I would be grateful for suggestions/advice on this matter.  (I was also advised there is no need to rush as colon cancer advances very slowly?)
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Avatar universal
Hi,

The barium would not have the capacity to get a biopsy and the sigmoidoscopy would only be able to reach a third of the colon, it would not be definitive. Even if you do demonstrate some bleeding with hemorrhoids, then all the more important does the colonoscopy become.
Ask yourself this question: Am I interested in finding out where I am bleeding? Or Am I interested in knowing if I may have early colon cancer?
Your current thinking seems to answer only the first question. You seem to be satisfied that if the hemorrhoids are bleeding then all is well.
Screening for colon cancer saves lives, hence the colonoscopy (though rather unpleasant and yes it is invasive) is probably the best way to go.
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Avatar universal
Get the colonoscopy.  Its not bad though the prep is a bit annoying.  Colon cancer is very responsive to treatment, especially when found early.  Mine was found late and believe me, I would give a lot to be able to turn back the clock and have that test a few years earlier.  You'll be fine, have the test.

jd
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