Is blood in the stool a symptom of cancer of the bowel?

This question has been posted in these health communities: Bowel Cancer

Q: Is blood in the stool a symptom of cancer of the bowel?

Bowel Cancer Australia
Health Consumer Organisation

Bowel Cancer Australia works to reduce the impact of bowel cancer in our society through awareness, education, support and research. We aim to help save ... View profile
Possible signs of bowel cancer include blood in the stool.

In its early stages, bowel cancer often has no symptoms. This is why it is important to screen. Like most diseases, bowel cancer can often cause symptoms which are similar to other unrelated conditions.

If you are experiencing blood in the stool, it does not mean that you have bowel cancer, but it is very important you discuss them with your doctor.

Whilst bowel cancer is more common in people aged 50+, bowel cancer increasingly affects all age groups.

If you have higher-risk symptoms, do not accept ‘you’re too young to have bowel cancer' as an explanation for your symptoms - ask your doctor to be referred for further investigations.

Information taken from the Bowel Cancer Australia website www.bowelcanceraustralia.org
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