Health

19 Different Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Bleeding from the Rectum

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Rectal bleeding is one of the most prevalent warning signs for colon or rectal cancer. This may manifest as small bright red spots in the toilet after a bowel movement, or it may not be visible unless under a microscope. The amount of blood in the stool, and the color it takes on, depends on how advanced the disease is, and where the cancer is in your colon or rectum. Rectal bleeding can also show as very dark or black stool, which signifies that blood has dried while moving the stool through the digestive system. People often think that rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids, and this prevents an early cancer diagnosis. If you notice any blood in your stool, collect a sample for lab analysis and make an appointment with your doctor.