Passing blood

Bright red blood on the surface of stools usually comes from the anus or rectum, whereas dark red to dark brown blood comes from somewhere higher up in the intestines.

People who see blood in their stools or on toilet paper usually assume it to be caused by haemorrhoids or ‘piles.' Although these are the commonest cause of bleeding, inflammation of the rectum and small cracks in the anal skin anal fissures can also be the source.

However, rectal bleeding can also be a sign of something much more serious such as bowel cancer or cancer of the rectum so it's very important you get it checked by your GP.

The doctor will perform a rectal examination to see if he can feel any abnormality, and may then transfer you to a specialist who may look directly into the rectum using a sigmoidoscope or colonoscope. A barium enema X-ray may also be performed.

This article was published on Mon 7 February 2011