Blood in stool

Hi.  I'm a 34 year old male, and in the past two days, I've noticed blood in my stool.  The first day it was lighter, but today I noticed it was redder and it was streaked throughout the stool.  Although I imagine numerous things can cause this, I am of course thinking of the worst case scenario: colon cancer.  I know that doctors recommend getting screened at age 50 and above.  I was wondering, how low is the risk for someone at my age?  I have no history of colon cancer in my family.  And just to let you know, I've had a very poor diet the past year; mostly fast food, although in previous years I ate fairly healthy.  I am seeing my doctor soon, but I'd like to know your thoughts on the risk of colon cancer.  Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

While colon cancer in a 34-year old is uncommon, it's still possible.  So, I would go ahead with a lower endoscopy, either a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

If the tests are negative, treatment for hemorrhoids, which statistically is the most likely cause, could be pursued.  But I would do so only after endoscopy to exclude cancer.

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

[butterflykissez]

I am a 22 year old female, and for the  past week and a half I have had blood filling the toilet. I don't force/push for it to come out, because I have to 'go' all the time sometimes three to four times a day. It's a mixture of loose and solid movements. I don't really feel any hemorrhoids, but the movements have gotten much darker then usual. It doesn't hurt much, just one day-yesterday, it hurt during and after for about 2.5 hours. I bought something called Tucks ( the whip pads) and also I have miralax, but they are not helping I am still bleeding a lot, sometimes I can fill the bowl three times during one movement. I don't know what is wrong but it's almost two weeks now, I don't have insurance so I don't want to run out to the hospital if it is nothing serious. Please I have no clue what is going on, please give me any advice you have.

[Chase1313]

Go to the doc...if you're bleeding that much, it needs to be checked out, insurance or not