Hemorrhoids or colon cancer_ How to tell the difference

It is sad fact of human anatomy that blood in your stool, one of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids, is also one of the most common symptoms of colon cancer. This can be quite worrying as hemorrhoids can be easily treated while colon cancer can be a life-altering event.

It is not always possible to detect the difference between symptoms of hemorrhoids or colon cancer, and any concerning symptoms should be reported to your doctor, as soon as possible.

Considering these recommendations, here are 5 ways to pre-check your anal bleeding symptoms before your medical visit.

1. Check your hemorrhoids history – It is 100% possible of course to have hemorrhoids and colon cancer at the same time. However if you have had hemorrhoids before, are currently pregnant, continuously struggle with constipation or irregular bowel movements, your anal bleeding may be a sign of hemorrhoids, not colon cancer
2. Use your mirror to check for a Visible swollen lump or vein – external hemorrhoids can often cause bleeding when the inflamed vein in question is irritated or cut, if that inflamed vein in question is visible, it may be a sign that it is hemorrhoids.
3. Try alleviating symptoms with at-home treatments – applying an anti hemorrhoid cream like preparation h, sitting in a sitz bath, or eating a high fiber diet can alleviate many hemorrhoid symptoms, so if after a few days of using these treatments your symptoms are relieved, it may just be hemorrhoids.
4. Monitor your weight – a symptom of colon cancer is intense pressure in the stomach which combined with its other symptoms can cause dramatic unintended weight loss. If you are experiencing prolonged pressure in your stomach that leads to unintended weight loss, speak to a medical professional immediately.
5. Speak with your doctor – If after trying these steps you are still left uncertain, or just want to make sure, speaking with a medical professional about confusing symptoms is always a great option. With a simple rectal exam, your professional can cut out the guesswork and help ease your worries

Bleeding from your rectum can be a shocking discovery. While it might be tempting to ease your fear by ignoring these symptoms, it is important to take action. If you suffer from rectum bleeding, please speak to a medical professional.

With early detection, a medical professional can develop a treatment plan that can greatly improve your chance of staying healthy.