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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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You should get the results of your FOB test| in writing within two weeks of the test being received for analysis at the laboratory.
About 98 out of 100 people (98%) will have a normal result. A small number of people will have repeated the test due to an unclear result the first time. If your result is normal, you'll be invited to do an FOB test again in two years time.
The letter will include information about the symptoms of bowel cancer|, so that you know what to look out for. If you’re worried about any symptoms that develop between your two-yearly screening tests, you should make an appointment with your GP.
Around two in 100 people (2%) will have an abnormal result. Sometimes, someone with an abnormal result will have repeated the test due to a previous unclear result. If your result is abnormal you will be sent a letter and an appointment to see a specialist nurse at your local hospital or screening centre. Your appointment should be arranged within a week of receiving your letter. Your GP will also be told your results.
Having an abnormal result is not a diagnosis of cancer. The abnormal result may be caused by conditions other than cancer, such as piles (haemorrhoids), a bleeding polyp or inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. You will usually be advised to have an examination of your bowel (a colonoscopy|), so that a diagnosis can be made.
Around four in 100 people (4%) may initially receive an unclear result. This means that there was a hint of blood in the sample, but not enough to give an abnormal result. An unclear result can be caused by conditions such as piles (haemorrhoids). Having an unclear result doesn’t mean that you have bowel cancer; it simply means that the FOB test needs to be repeated.
You’ll be asked to repeat the FOB test. The repeat FOB test may be slightly different from the test you’ve already done so you should carefully read the instructions that come with the kit before doing the test. If the results of further tests are still unclear, or abnormal, you’ll be given an appointment to see a specialist practitioner to discuss having a colonoscopy. If the result of your repeat test is normal, you may be sent another kit just to confirm the result.
Sometimes there is a technical problem when your samples are tested in the laboratory. If this happens you will be sent a letter and another testing kit so that you can collect some more samples.
Sometimes the FOB kit can’t be tested in the laboratory because it hasn’t been used properly or has been damaged. If this happens you will be sent a letter and a replacement testing kit.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.