Blood in Stool: Concerns After Rectal Cancer Diagnosis

Stool with a small amount of blood?

Hello Doctor: My family member was diagnosed with rectal cancer at the beginning of last month, and since then I have started to pay attention to my own bowel habits.
I used to not have daily bowel movements and would go when I felt the urge (approximately every 3 days).
Concerned that this habit might be unhealthy, I wanted to change to a daily bowel movement routine.
Now, I have a bowel movement about every 2 days, but the amount is less than before, and I haven't had formed stools for about 10 days; they are all pellet-like (varying in size).
In terms of color, last Monday and Tuesday I experienced severe constipation, and the stools were small and dark.
From Wednesday to Friday, I had golden stools, but there were some small black specks on them.
On Sunday morning, I first had pellet-like stools, followed by gas and loose stools, all of which were golden yellow.
This Monday morning, I had diarrhea again, producing loose stools mixed with carrot remnants.
Today (Wednesday), I had golden pellet-like stools again.
Regarding the blood in my stools, about two weeks ago, I started noticing one or two small pieces with a slight amount of light red blood on them during each bowel movement (the overall color is golden yellow, with the light red part making up about 10% of the area).
This morning, I had about five or six stools of varying sizes, and one small piece had a streak of bright red blood on it.
I have a colonoscopy scheduled for early next month, but I am still very anxious.
Doctor, what is the likelihood that this situation indicates cancer? Thank you, Doctor.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/20

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Since you have already scheduled a colonoscopy, try not to overthink it; you will know the results after the examination.
It is generally believed that if one family member is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the likelihood of other family members being diagnosed increases by twofold, from approximately 0.03% to 0.06%.
Therefore, there is no need for excessive worry.
It is recommended to undergo fecal occult blood testing every two years, and if any abnormalities are detected, a repeat colonoscopy will be necessary.

Reply Date: 2016/07/20

More Info

It's understandable to feel anxious after a family member's diagnosis of rectal cancer, especially when experiencing changes in bowel habits and noticing blood in the stool. Let's break down your concerns regarding your bowel movements and the potential implications for your health.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that changes in bowel habits can occur for a variety of reasons, and not all of them are indicative of cancer. The fact that you are now having more regular bowel movements is a positive change, but the consistency and appearance of your stool can vary based on diet, hydration, stress levels, and other factors. The presence of small, dark specks in your stool could be due to dietary factors, such as consuming foods that are dark in color or high in fiber, which can sometimes lead to changes in stool appearance.

The blood you have noticed in your stool, particularly the fresh red blood, is a symptom that should be taken seriously. Fresh red blood typically indicates bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, which could be due to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or other benign conditions. However, given your family history of rectal cancer, it is prudent to be vigilant. The fact that you are experiencing these symptoms warrants further investigation, and a colonoscopy is an appropriate next step to evaluate the source of the bleeding.

While the presence of blood in the stool can be alarming, it does not automatically mean that you have cancer. Many individuals experience rectal bleeding due to non-cancerous conditions. However, since you have a family history of rectal cancer, it is wise to discuss this with your healthcare provider, who may recommend genetic counseling or screening based on your family history.

Regarding your upcoming colonoscopy, this procedure is essential for diagnosing the cause of your symptoms. During the colonoscopy, the doctor will be able to visualize the lining of your colon and rectum, and if necessary, take biopsies of any suspicious areas. This will provide clarity on whether there are any precancerous lesions or cancer present.

In the meantime, it is important to maintain a healthy diet rich in fiber, stay hydrated, and manage stress, as these factors can influence bowel health. If you experience any worsening symptoms, such as increased bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or changes in your overall health, you should seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while your symptoms warrant attention, they do not necessarily indicate cancer. The upcoming colonoscopy will provide more definitive answers. It's crucial to stay proactive about your health and communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns. Remember, early detection and intervention are key in managing any potential health issues effectively.

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