Rectal bleeding can be related to:
Bowel cancer
One reason why it is always important to seek a diagnosis for rectal bleeding is that it can be a sign of the early stage of bowel cancer. Treating bowel cancer is significantly more successful when diagnosed in the early stages.
Haemorrhoids
Also known as piles, these are swollen blood vessels in the rectum, which can bleed when you have a bowel movement. Seeing bright red blood on the toilet paper, in the bowl or in your stools is a common sign. Whilst they often heal on their own, sometimes they need treatment and diagnosis is necessary to rule out other options.
Anal fissures
The skin of the anus is very sensitive and subsequently can tear easily. These tears are known as anal fissures and can cause rectal bleeding. Usually, these can often heal naturally, but in some cases, treatment may be required. Diagnosis by a specialist will help eliminate other conditions.
Bowel polyps
These are small, often tiny, growths that form on the lining of the bowel. They can be completely harmless but they can also be the pre-cursor for bowel cancer, so it is important to have a Bowel Cancer Screening test if you are over 50 years old, or have a family history of bowel polyps or bowel cancer. These polyps usually don’t produce symptoms but can cause blood in your stools if aggravated.