New York, NY
A 22-year-old male asked:
21yr old male, could this be colon cancer?blood on stool,rectal bleeding(bright red/darker at times,) painful bowel movement, big & hard stool, etc.
5 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

A Verified Doctoranswered
Family Medicine 34 years experience
Constipation/blood: It isn't common in 21 year old males, but always a possibility. It may be a proctitis, colitis, hemorrhoid from constipation, or anal fissure from passing large, hard stools. Try miralax (polyethylene glycol) and colace over-the-counter daily until your stools are softer and less painful to pass. See your primary care physician or Gastroenterology specialist for an exam to find the cause and recommend treatment.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Ahmet Aybaranswered
Pediatrics 32 years experience
Perianal fissures: From your description it sounds like you have some fissures(tears) in your perianal area due to constipation. See your primary care doctor and get it checked out. You may need to use some stool softeners and topical ointment to help relieve the symptoms
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago


Dr. Tanya Russoanswered
Pediatrics 26 years experience
Chronic constipation: Chronic constipation can lead to hemorroidal bleeding and fecal impaction Once the stool is hard and large, medications are generally not effective initially. Treatment consists of preventing constipation through diet, bowel retraining and stool softeners. To get things moving at the beginning of treatment, Fleets enema may be necessary. Without a strong family history, cancer would be uncommon.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctoranswered
55 years experience
Hemorrhoids: I think its more likely hemorrhoids. It would be great if you could get a stool softener. After the stool is softened talk to your family doctor
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Carlos Encarnacionanswered
Medical Oncology 36 years experience
Unlikely, but: This has already been expertly answered by several colleagues. I would only add that if you have a strong family history of cancer (colon or otherwise) or family history of polyposis, you should talk to your doc. Some inherited genetic traits can lead to cancer even at ridiculously young age. Best to you.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 10, 2019
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.