Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Blood in Stool? the Risks

Q: Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Blood in Stool? the Risks

Hello： In response to your question, the current recommendation from the National Health Bureau is to begin fecal occult blood screening at the age of 50. <br>If there are no symptoms, screening can be postponed until after turning 50. <br>If there is rectal bleeding after the ag

Do I need to undergo a colonoscopy?

Recently, my mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer, which made me recall that I had experienced two instances of blood in my stool.
I have since improved my bathroom habits and have not had any occurrences for six months! In the past month, I have also had two normal stool tests without any blood (so the previous instances of blood in my stool, which I monitored for several months without recurrence, could likely be attributed to hemorrhoids!).
Do I still need to undergo a colonoscopy? After all, it is an invasive procedure! I was considering waiting until I turn 35.
Is that acceptable?

Ping An, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/07/05

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Hello: In response to your question, the current recommendation from the National Health Bureau is to begin fecal occult blood screening at the age of 50.
If there are no symptoms, screening can be postponed until after turning 50.
If there is rectal bleeding after the age of 40, it is generally advised to proceed directly with a colonoscopy.
If the bleeding occurs before the age of 40, it is mostly attributed to hemorrhoidal bleeding, unless there are significant accompanying symptoms (such as weight loss, changes in bowel habits, etc.), in which case further observation is sufficient, and a colonoscopy may not be necessary at that time.

Reply Date: 2013/07/05

More Info

Experiencing blood in your stool can be alarming, and it’s understandable that you are concerned about your health, especially given your family history of rectal cancer. While you have not had any recent episodes of blood in your stool, it’s essential to consider the potential underlying causes and the importance of appropriate screening.

First, it’s crucial to understand that blood in the stool can arise from various sources, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular disease, polyps, or more serious conditions like colorectal cancer. Given your mother’s recent diagnosis of rectal cancer, it’s wise to be vigilant about your own gastrointestinal health. Even if your previous episodes of blood were attributed to hemorrhoids, the presence of blood should not be ignored, especially in the context of family history.

Colonoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows for direct visualization of the colon and rectum. It can help identify any abnormalities, including polyps or tumors, and allows for biopsies to be taken if necessary. The risks associated with a colonoscopy, while present, are relatively low. Complications such as bleeding, perforation of the bowel, or adverse reactions to sedation occur in approximately 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 procedures. Given these statistics, the benefits of early detection of potential issues often outweigh the risks, particularly in individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer.

In your case, since you have experienced blood in your stool twice and considering your family history, it would be prudent to discuss the necessity of a colonoscopy with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and any other risk factors to determine the best course of action. While you mentioned that you would prefer to wait until you are 35, it’s important to note that guidelines for colorectal cancer screening often recommend starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals, and earlier for those with a family history of colorectal cancer.

If you are hesitant about undergoing a colonoscopy, you might consider discussing alternative screening methods with your doctor. Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) or stool DNA tests can be non-invasive options to screen for colorectal cancer. However, if these tests return positive, a colonoscopy would still be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and investigate further.

In summary, while your symptoms may have resolved, the presence of blood in the stool, especially with a family history of rectal cancer, warrants further investigation. A colonoscopy is a highly effective method for screening and can provide peace of mind or early intervention if necessary. It’s essential to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about your concerns, the risks and benefits of the procedure, and the best plan for your health moving forward.

Similar Q&A

Is a Colonoscopy Necessary After Experiencing Blood in Stool?

Hello doctor, in the past six months, I have experienced two instances of bright red blood after bowel movements. The most alarming incident occurred while I was squatting to wash my hair, resulting in a pool of fresh blood on the floor. I suspect it might be caused by hemorrhoid...

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery
The presence of fresh blood in the stool may be caused by hemorrhoids; therefore, it is advisable to first examine the anal and rectal area for any obvious sources of bleeding. If no clear cause of bleeding is identified, a colonoscopy should be performed. Generally, individuals ...

Do I Need a Colonoscopy After Rectal Exams for Blood in Stool?

Hello doctor, I previously experienced blood in my stool, and doctors have said it is due to internal hemorrhoids. I have undergone a sigmoidoscopy and a rectoscopy, and the doctors said there were no issues. Do I need to undergo a colonoscopy? Also, my stool is formed, but one s...

Dr. Yang Zhichao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dear Mr./Ms. Chen, Hello, you are 27 years old. Most cases of blood in the stool are likely caused by anal fissures or hemorrhoids, and the chance of cancer is relatively low. You can start with a fecal occult blood test, and if the result is positive, a colonoscopy can be arran...

Should You Get a Colonoscopy After Experiencing Blood in Stool?

Recently, I experienced severe diarrhea due to food poisoning, and I noticed fresh red blood in my stool, along with mucus and blood streaks when wiping. I've heard that this could be a warning sign for colorectal cancer, but it only happened once, and after the diarrhea res...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Severe enteritis can lead to anal fissures with bleeding or complications such as hemorrhoidal bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to continue monitoring. If blood in the stool occurs again, further examination will be necessary. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chen Ch...

Is Colonoscopy Necessary After Blood in Stool? Understanding Your Options

Hello, doctor. Recently, I have had blood in my stool twice over the past week (I have bowel movements approximately every 2-5 days). I visited the National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, where the doctor recommended a colonoscopy. However, since it is a bit far, I ret...

Dr. Cai Jinji reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Each individual's situation varies, and it is important to assess based on family history, medical history, and bowel habits. It is recommended to consult a doctor in an outpatient setting for diagnosis and treatment. Wishing you peace and happiness.