Thanks for your question.
Some risk factors of colon cancer are as follows:
- Age > 50
- Family history of cancer/colon cancer
- Smoker
- Obesity
If you have any of these, then it’s definitely worthwhile going to see your doctor to have it checked out.
He can easily risk stratify you from your history, do a rectal exam to check where the bleeding is coming from, and if necessary refer you on for a colonoscopy test. You can read more about colonoscopies in Singapore here.
Since you are worried about colon cancer in particular, some other warning signs include:
- A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
If you are a young guy however, with none of the warning signs or risk factors, the bleeding you described is most likely fresh blood due to your piles and hard stools/constipation.
You probably should tell your doctor that your previous laxatives didn’t work so well (he can give you other types), and should also introduce more fibre into your diet. That will help both your piles, constipation, and bleeding.
