Can rectal cancer cause painful bloody stools?

Rectal cancer may cause blood in the stool and pain, but these symptoms can also be caused by other diseases. If you notice long-term blood in the stool, anal pain, or changes in bowel habits, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause.

The rectum is the end of the human digestive tract, and its main function is to store and excrete feces. When cancer occurs in the rectum, the cancerous tissue may stimulate blood vessels or cause mass proliferation, which leads to blood in the stool or discomfort during defecation. This discomfort may range from dull pain in the abdomen to severe pain in the anus, and may also be accompanied by abnormal phenomena such as thinner stools, increased frequency or irregularity.

The color and shape of blood in the stool can help distinguish the cause. For example, blood in the stool caused by rectal cancer is usually bright red, mixed with the surface of the stool, and may be accompanied by a feeling of incomplete defecation. If it is hemorrhoidal bleeding, it is usually more painless and only drips blood after defecation. Enteritis or polyps may show mucus and blood in the stool. Therefore, if it is accompanied by systemic symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss or physical fatigue, it should be taken particularly seriously.

To prevent colorectal cancer in daily life, you should pay attention to eating more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as fruits and vegetables and whole grains, keep your intestines unobstructed, and reduce the intake of high-fat and highly processed foods. For people over 45 years old or those with a family history of colorectal cancer, regular colonoscopy is an effective prevention and control measure. If you experience long-term bloody stools and pain, you may wish to seek medical attention in time to determine the cause. Don't ignore the big problems that may arise from small symptoms!