Understanding Blood in Stool: Could It Be Colon Cancer?

Dr. Milind Shetti, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG NMR Cancer Centre, Hubli
Taking charge of your health is an empowering step, and regular screening plays a vital role in preventive care. Seeing blood in your stool can be a frightening experience. While it’s a symptom that shouldn’t be ignored, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t necessarily mean cancer. There are several reasons why you might have blood in your stool, some more serious than others. However, early detection of colon cancer is crucial for successful treatment, making colon cancer screening a vital step.
Colon cancer, when detected early, has a very high success rate for treatment. By understanding your risk factors and the different screening tests, you can take a proactive approach to your well-being and ensure early detection of any potential issues.
What Does Blood in the Stool Indicate?

Blood in the stool can arise from various benign or malignant sources. Common culprits include hemorrhoids, which cause painless bright red bleeding, and anal fissures, during bowel movements. Less frequently, diverticulosis (pouches in the colon lining) can bleed. Upper gastrointestinal issues like peptic ulcers may present with dark red or tarry stools due to blood loss. Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) can cause rectal bleeding, often accompanied by diarrhea and cramping. Finally, though less common, blood in the stool can be a sign of colon cancer, with the blood appearing bright or dark red and mixed in with the stool.

Why is Colon Cancer Screening Important?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is highly treatable when detected early. Regular screening can identify precancerous polyps (abnormal growths on the colon lining) before they turn cancerous. Even in its early stages, colon cancer may not cause any symptoms. This is why screening is so crucial – it can detect cancer before you experience any noticeable signs.

Who Should Get Screened for Colon Cancer?

It is better to start regular colon cancer screening at 45 for average-risk individuals, certain factors warrant an earlier or more frequent approach. This includes a family history of colon cancer in close relatives, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and lifestyle habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or a diet low in fiber and high in red meat.

Types of Colon Cancer Screening Tests

There are various colon cancer screening tests available, each with its own pros and cons. Discussing with your doctor will help determine the most suitable option for you, considering your age, risk factors, and preferences.
• Colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test, where a long, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum to examine the entire colon. During this procedure, suspicious polyps can be removed for biopsy. While highly effective, colonoscopy requires sedation and bowel preparation, which can be inconvenient.
• For a less invasive option, the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) analyzes a stool sample for hidden blood, a potential sign of colon cancer or other conditions. FIT is simple, requiring no special preparation, but a positive result necessitates a follow-up colonoscopy for confirmation.
• Another stool-based test, Cologuard DNA, analyzes DNA and blood markers in stool for abnormalities suggestive of colon cancer. While more sensitive than FIT, Cologuard also requires a confirmatory colonoscopy if the test result is positive.
Don’t Wait, Get Screened
Blood in the stool can be a scary symptom, but it doesn’t have to be a cause for panic. Early diagnosis is key for successful treatment of any underlying condition, especially colon cancer. If you notice blood in your stool, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and get screened. Remember, colon cancer screening is a potentially lifesaving procedure. Don’t wait – take control of your health and get screened today.