December 11, 2025 (Navroze Bureau) ; A senior cancer surgeon has issued a strong public health warning, stressing that blood in stool should never be dismissed as piles (hemorrhoids) without proper medical evaluation. According to specialists, a growing number of patients ignore early symptoms of colorectal cancer, assuming they are caused by benign conditions. This delay in diagnosis often results in the cancer being detected at an advanced stage, reducing treatment options and survival rates.
With colorectal cancer becoming increasingly common in India—especially among people below 50—experts are urging individuals to pay closer attention to persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.
Why Blood in Stool Should Not Be Ignored
Piles are indeed a frequent cause of rectal bleeding, but surgeons emphasize that not all rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. Many conditions, including polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, fissures, infections, and colorectal cancer, can cause similar symptoms.
The surgeon warns that self-diagnosis is one of the biggest mistakes patients make. Symptoms like intermittent bleeding, discomfort during bowel movements, or changes in toilet habits often lead people to assume it is piles—sometimes leading to months of delay before seeking professional help.
Early detection is crucial because colorectal cancer usually develops slowly from precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer. Missing these warning signs can allow the disease to progress silently.
The Six Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer
The cancer specialist highlighted six key symptoms that should never be ignored:
1. Blood in Stool
Blood may appear bright red, dark maroon, or even cause the stool to look black and tarry. Persistent bleeding should prompt immediate medical evaluation. Even occasional bleeding is not normal.
2. Persistent Change in Bowel Habits
A sudden shift in how often you pass stool, including:
- Constipation
- Frequent loose stools
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Narrow or ribbon-like stools
These can be signs of a blockage or abnormal growth in the colon.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without dieting or increased activity is a red flag. Tumors often affect metabolism, appetite, and digestion, causing rapid weight loss.
4. Abdominal Pain or Cramps
Ongoing discomfort, gas, bloating, or pressure in the lower abdomen may signal a tumor obstructing the intestinal pathway.
5. Fatigue or Weakness
Colorectal cancer can cause internal bleeding, leading to iron deficiency anemia. This results in extreme tiredness, weakness, dizziness, and pale skin.
6. Mucus in Stool
The presence of mucus or slimy discharge in stool can indicate inflammation or cancerous changes in the colon’s lining.
Why Younger Adults Should Also Be Cautious
Once considered a disease of older adults, colorectal cancer is now rising alarmingly among people aged 25–45. Lifestyle factors such as:
- Low-fiber diets
- High consumption of processed or red meat
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress
are contributing to early-onset cases. The surgeon notes that younger people often assume cancer cannot affect them, which leads to delayed diagnosis.
The Importance of Early Screening
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early. Screening tests like:
- Colonoscopy
- Stool occult blood test
- Stool DNA test
- Sigmoidoscopy
can detect polyps or cancer in the earliest stages. Doctors recommend routine screening starting at age 45, or earlier for people with family history, genetic risk, or persistent symptoms.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
You should seek medical attention if you experience:
- Any rectal bleeding lasting more than a few days
- Sudden or long-lasting changes in bowel movements
- Sharp abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Continuous fatigue
- Lump or mass in the abdomen
A physician may recommend tests to rule out serious conditions. Ignoring symptoms can delay diagnosis by months—and in some cases, the disease may spread before treatment begins.
The Surgeon’s Final Message
The surgeon stresses that colorectal cancer is highly treatable when found early. Mistaking symptoms for piles is common but dangerous. The message is clear: listen to your body, don’t ignore persistent bowel symptoms, and consult a doctor early.
Summary
A cancer surgeon warns that blood in stool is not always piles and urges people to recognize six key signs of colorectal cancer, stressing early detection and screening to improve survival rates.