Rectal Bleeding: When to Get Checked and What It Means

Dismissed Too Often, Too Long

In Nigeria, rectal bleeding is almost universally attributed to haemorrhoids ("pile") — and while haemorrhoids are indeed very common, this reflexive attribution leads to dangerous delays in diagnosing colorectal cancer, polyps, and inflammatory bowel disease. Rectal bleeding should never be dismissed without proper assessment, regardless of age.

Causes of Rectal Bleeding

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• Haemorrhoids (piles) — the most common cause; bright red blood, usually on toilet paper or in the bowl, not mixed with stool; associated with constipation and straining. Do not assume this is the cause without proper examination
• Anal fissure — a tear in the anal lining; severe pain with defecation and bright red blood; caused by constipation and passage of hard stools
• Colorectal polyps — precancerous growths in the bowel; cause intermittent rectal bleeding; detected and removed colonoscopically before they become cancer
• Colorectal cancer — the third most common cancer in Nigerian men; causes persistent bleeding, change in bowel habit, and weight loss (see our guide to weight and metabolism). Must be excluded in any adult with persistent rectal bleeding
• Inflammatory bowel disease — Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause bloody diarrhoea; more prevalent in Nigeria than recognised
• Diverticular disease — outpouchings of the colon that can bleed significantly in older adults

Investigation FXMed Facilitates

Examination, full blood count (see our guide to understanding your blood tests) (anaemia from chronic bleeding), faecal occult blood test where appropriate, and facilitation of colonoscopy referral — the definitive investigation — for: anyone with persistent rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit, age over 50, or family history of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Health Is Preventable and Treatable

Colorectal cancer caught at stage I has a 90%+ cure rate. Caught at stage IV, it is largely incurable. Screening and investigation of symptoms changes these outcomes. Book a gastrointestinal health consultation with FXMed today.