Rectal Bleeding

Your bleeding is of more concern because of your personal or family history.

Most people with minimal rectal bleeding do not have a dangerous cause of their symptoms. However, you should see your doctor promptly because your likelihood of having colorectal cancer is increased, based upon your symptoms. People over age 50 are at a higher risk for cancer. Your doctor will probably recommend a colonoscopy to carefully examine your colon.

Certain other medical illnesses such as "inflammatory bowel disease" can cause symptoms that are similar to those of a colon cancer. Inflammatory bowel disease is the result of an autoimmune illness (an attack by your own immune system). Most inflammatory bowel disease is eventually identified as either "Crohn's disease" or "ulcerative colitis." Inflammatory bowel disease is more likely to be an explanation for your diarrhea if you are a young adult, although older adults can develop inflammatory bowel disease as well.