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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Should I see a doctor after passing bright blood?

    Related Topics
    Bowel Cancer Cancer Digestive Health
    Im 48 and had one occurrence of a large amount of bright blood. Years ago I had piles with pregnancy - but have not had problems for years. I can have a tendency to constipation but I take fiber and follow a vegetarian diet. I have loose bowels at times. As it is the one occurrence should I see my doc or am I being a little alarmist?
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    Peter Mount

    HealthShare Member

    I believe you should see a doctor about it. Then you will know what the cause of it is and something can be done about it.

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  • linnet64

    HealthShare Member

    Thank you. I will take your advice :-)

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    Bowel Cancer Australia

    Bowel Cancer Australia is the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and care for everyone affected by bowel cancer. We … View Profile

    Thank you for your enquiry.  Your question has been sent to Bowel Cancer Australia’s Nurse Advisers.
     
    A Nurse Adviser will be in touch soon with a response.

    Kind Regards,
    The team at Bowel Cancer Australia
    www.bowelcanceraustralia.org


    Please Note: The information provided by Bowel Cancer Australia’s Nurse and Nutritionist Advisory Services is intended for Australian residents as a reference guide only. It is not a substitute for independent professional advice and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder.

    If you believe your symptoms are consistent with those of bowel cancer or a digestive illness, please consult your doctor.

    Bowel Cancer Australia, its directors, officers or medical professionals shall not be liable to any person, company or any other body for any loss, direct or indirect or consequential on whatsoever account for any omission or negligent misstatement.

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  • Bowel Cancer Australia

    Bowel Cancer Australia is the leading community-funded charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and care for everyone affected by bowel cancer. We … View Profile

    Hi,

    Thank you for your question re: your recent passing of bright blood.

    In answer to your question - yes, you should see your doctor in order to have your bowel assessed to see what could be causing the bleeding.

    You are certainly not being an alarmist by being proactive with your health.

    Like most diseases, bowel cancer can often cause symptoms which are similar to other unrelated conditions.

    If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor.

    Symptoms can include:

    - A recent, persistent change in bowel habit to looser, more diarrhoea-like motions, going to the toilet more often, or trying to go (ie. irregularity in someone whose bowels have previously been regular)

    - Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool

    - Diarrhoea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

    - Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps

    - Stools that are narrower than usual

    - A lump or mass in your tummy

    - Weight loss for no known reason

    - Persistent, severe abdominal pain, which has come on recently for the first time (especially in an older age group)

    - Feeling very tired

    - Vomiting

    If you have any of these symptoms, it does not mean that you have bowel cancer, but it is very important you discuss them with your doctor.

    You might also be interested in looking at the Bowel Cancer Australia Website: http://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=141&Itemid=290

    I hope this helps.


    Kind Regards,
    Tammy
    Bowel Cancer Australia Nurse Adviser
    www.bowelcanceraustralia.org


    Please Note: The information provided by Bowel Cancer Australia’s Nurse and Nutritionist Advisory Services is intended for Australian residents as a reference guide only. It is not a substitute for independent professional advice and is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder.

    If you believe your symptoms are consistent with those of bowel cancer or a digestive illness, please consult your doctor.

    Bowel Cancer Australia, its directors, officers or medical professionals shall not be liable to any person, company or any other body for any loss, direct or indirect or consequential on whatsoever account for any omission or negligent misstatement.

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  • linnet64

    HealthShare Member

    Thank you - I saw my GP and he took it quite seriously, so he took bloods to test for anaemia and I have a referral to see a surgeon to get a colonoscopy.

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  • Karen Barclay

    HealthShare Member

    I am so glad you sought advice - good luck! 

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