Symptom 3: Blood in Stool
Spotting blood in one’s stool can be jarring. The immediate thought might leap to severe conditions, and rightfully so. In the case of colorectal cancer, the presence of blood can result from the tumor causing bleeding as it grows. This blood might manifest as bright red streaks or might lend the stool a darker, almost tar-like appearance.
However, the presence of blood isn’t always overt. In some instances, the bleeding might be so slight that it’s only detectable through a fecal occult blood test, a diagnostic tool designed to pick up trace amounts of blood in the stool. If the blood is bright red, it usually suggests that the bleeding is from the lower colon or rectum. In contrast, very dark or black stools indicate that the blood is coming from higher up in the digestive tract.
Apart from the color, the consistency of the stool can also provide clues. Bloody stools might be looser, almost watery, especially if associated with diarrhea. On the other hand, blood coupled with constipation can lead to hard, darkened stools.(3)
