There are many reasons for blood on the toilet paper, including, hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, polyps, and yes, cancer.
The best way to exclude cancer would be to obtain a lower endoscopy, such as a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
These options should be discussed with your personal physician.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/KevinMD
I have just discovered I have an anal polyp, ie. one that is lying just outside my anus. Over the last 2 weeks or so, I have notice a change in my bowel movement and have gone and seen a GP, who has referred me for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. I have an appointment scheduled to see the gastroenterologist on Thursday, but in the meantime, while bathing today, discovered the anal polyp about the size of a green pea. It does bleed or anything but I am getting really concern.
Could stress cause the problems with the narrow stool?