What does blood in the stool mean?

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Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. Although the overall trend is on the decline, the number of infected people under the age of 55 is on the rise.

The exact reason for this is unknown. However, the good news is that colorectal cancer is highly treatable if detected early. Dr. Minia Herran, a surgical oncologist, talks about the symptoms to look out for.

If you have cancer on the left side of your colon or rectum, you will often see bright red blood in your stool or on the toilet paper after you wipe it. Hemorrhoids can also cause bleeding, but Dr. Herran advises anyone who notices bleeding to see a doctor.

“If you see blood in someone's stool, you would never assume that they have hemorrhoids until you know for sure that they do not have colorectal cancer,” she says. say.

Instead of red blood, right-sided colon cancer may cause stool that appears dark from old blood passing through the colon. Dr. Herran says the bleeding may only be internal.

This bleeding can cause anemia, which is usually one of the first symptoms of colorectal cancer other than visible blood. Anemia can cause extreme fatigue and weakness.

“If you're around the age of 40 and you develop symptoms of anemia, we think you should have a complete investigation, such as a colonoscopy, to rule out colorectal cancer,” Dr. Herran says. .

Changes in bowel movements

Colorectal cancer can also cause changes in bowel movements. Diarrhea and constipation as well as thin and thin stools are common.

“You may always feel the need to go to the bathroom, but it doesn't really come out often,” says Dr. Herran.

Another common symptom is pain during bowel movements, especially in the rectum.

“If you have really low-lying rectal cancer, it starts to grow into your sphincter muscle, and then you start to really feel the pain, because there's a lot of nerves in there.” Dr. Herran says.

don't be shy

It can be embarrassing to talk to your doctor about your bowel movements. But Dr. Herran tells his patients to think of it like any other bodily function.

“Without defecation and digestion, we wouldn't be alive,” she says. “It's part of life.”

Colorectal cancer is treatable if caught early, and just one conversation can make a big difference in your health.

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