I'm 39. i had dark red blood (maroon) in my stool. i have a history of hemorrhoids. my mother died this year of colon cancer. my doctor, then gastro-entologist recommended a colonoscopy. a colonoscopy is rather pricey - should i have one?

Yes: Hemorrhoid blood is usually bright red in colour. With your positive family history, it would be a wise investment. Have your doctor confirm that it truly is blood. All the best.

Yes : Yes, you should get a colonoscopy. Your dark red blood in stool (hematochezia) is a concerning sign and due to your family history of colon cancer, a colonoscopy should be performed. Although it is expensive, in your situation with your family history and symptoms, the benefits (potentially early detection/treatment of colon polyps) outweigh the negatives (high cost). Follow up with GI doc.

Definitely!!: if your mother developed colon cancer, you are at much higher risk of developing it yourself. The best way to tell what the source of your bleeding was is a colonoscopy. If colon cancer is detected early enough, it is usually curable, but not if it is detected later. Do not take your chances. Have your colonoscopy ASAP. It may save your life. Good luck.

Yes.: You should follow your doctor's advice. It is a good one. Although most likely cause of your bloody stool is hemorrhoids, you are at risk of colo rectal cancer. Other possibilities include ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and diverticulosis, all of which can be accurately diagnosed with colonoscopy. Also, if you bleed in large amounts, it can cause anemia or even shock.

Colon Cancer.: its important to have evaluation for colon cancer, with you strong family history of colon cancer in a first degree relative. This will also further evaluate your hemorhoids. It's way less expensive to detect and treat a colon cancer in the early stages than wait till its advance.

Yes: I'm sorry it's pricey. You need to do this.

YES: cheaper than a funeral

Yes: Your chance of having a colon cancer is higher since your mother had it. The cost of dealing with a colon cancer is much more expensive if it is caught late than if it is caught early, easily justifying the cost of a colonoscopy now.

ABSOLUTELY!!: Hemorrhoidal bleeding usually is not dark maroon and with your family history you need to get one. Do Not delay in getting in to see a gastroenterologist or colon and rectal surgeon!! Price may seem high but the cost of undiagnosed advanced colon cancer is even higher and may involve your life significantly

Rectal, proctoscopy: Maroon stool suggestive of internal hemorrhoid or fissure. Can arise from low lying lesion but that could be defined by digital exam or proctoscopy. If no pathology found and bleeding continues then colonoscopy which deines pathology over entire length of colon may be requires.