DON’T TAKE BLOOD STOOL LIGHTLY

We often take bleeding in our stool lightly, assuming it’s nothing more than a minor issue like hemorrhoids. This was the case for Sarah, a 48-year-old woman who noticed blood in her stool but ignored it, thinking it was just piles. She tried over-the-counter treatments, but the bleeding persisted. Eventually, she started feeling abdominal pain, losing weight and noticed changes in her bowel habits and frequent blood loss in stools. When Sarah finally saw me; she was diagnosed with a stage 2 rectal cancer.

While piles are common and treatable, persistent bleeding, pain, weight loss, and changes in bowel movements could signal something more serious. Rectal cancer often develops silently and doesn’t always present obvious symptoms until it’s more advanced. It’s easy to assume discomfort is just piles, but early detection of rectal cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Sarah’s story is a reminder that bleeding in the stool should never be ignored. If you experience persistent symptoms like blood, pain, or changes in your bowel habits, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional. Regular screenings, especially for those over 50, can help catch rectal cancer early, making all the difference in treatment success. Early action could save your life.

The author, Dr. Deepak Chhabra is a senior Gastrointestinal cancer surgeon affiliated with Lilavati Hospital and Dr L H Hiranandani hospital at Mumbai more than 15 years. He is known for laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgeries with specialist training from Japan and South Korea.