MSK gastrointestinal medical oncologist Dr. Michael Foote explains what it could mean and when it might be a sign of something more serious, like colorectal cancer.
DR. MICHAEL FOOTE
So, you saw blood in your poop. Now what?
Hi, I’m Dr. Michael Foote and I’m a medical oncologist Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and I treat people with colorectal cancer.
It might feel embarrassing to talk about, but seeing blood when you go to the bathroom is never normal. So, if you see it, it’s important that you talk to your doctor.
Some of the warning signs to look out for include new bleeding that's ongoing, bleeding that stops but returns, changes in bowel habits that last several days without clearing up, and additional symptoms like weight loss or abdominal pain.
Screening for colorectal cancer for people at average risk starts at 45, but no matter how old you are, you should always pay attention to your body and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Remember, more likely than not, these symptoms are due to something benign, like hemorrhoids, but it’s not worth the risk.