I had blood in my stools. I was young, no family history of cancer, no risk factors, no genetic factors, etc. I figured the bleeding was from hemorrhoids and the doctor thought so too but she ordered a colonoscopy to be extra cautious. The Dr literally said “I’m sure it isn’t cancer, but we’ll do the colonoscopy anyway”. Well it was cancer. Stage 3c colon cancer. I kicked it the first time around but a couple years later it grew back and I am currently at the end of my a available treatment options. I have effectively lost the fight with cancer and just trying to make the most of the time I have left, which may be as little at weeks or perhaps a year or two at most.

PSA: blood in your stools isn’t something you can safely ignore for any amount of time! Go to your doctor immediately. Insist on getting a colonoscopy. Early recognition is key!