Lydia, a 52 year old, sees you during morning surgery. She has a history of episodes of intermittent abdominal pain and alternating bowel habit that started in her twenties. You have been treating her with antispasmodic agents for IBS. She now reports that she has noticed rectal bleeding on two occasions. Abdominal and rectal examinations are normal.Which one of the following is the most appropriate course of action?Arrange blood tests including a full blood count and tests for inflammatory markers, and arrange to review Lydia with the resultsExplain that rectal bleeding is more commonly seen in people with IBS and can be considered part of the conditionCarry out faecal immunochemical testing (FIT)Make an urgent referral for suspected cancer (under the two week pathway in the UK)

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