Does Anal Bleeding Mean Hemorrhoids or Colon Cancer?

Rectal bleeding is serious business, no matter what the cause. But a look at your symptoms can tell you whether you’re looking at hemorrhoids or a symptom that could be related to colon cancer.

Many people think hemorrhoids are only external, and that’s not the case. Internal hemorrhoids often occur, and the first sign of them is bright red streaks of blood on toilet paper, or blood in the toilet bowl or on the stool surface. Other symptoms include itching, skin irritation and pain.

If the bleeding is more frequent and the pain more severe, then there may be a more serious problem taking place. Since bleeding and pain are both signs of colon cancer you need to contact your physician as quickly as possible. He or she will want to examine you, and will likely suggest that you get a colonoscopy to check for tumors or polyps that may be the source of the problem.

If the problem does turn out to be hemorrhoids, follow your doctor’s advice to reduce and eliminate them. One way to reduce their likelihood is to increase the amount of fiber and water in your diet so your bowel movements are more regular and smooth. Your doctor may also suggest that you see a specialist and have a procedure to remove the hemorrhoids entirely.