As we get older, staying proactive about our health becomes more important, especially when it comes to changes in our digestion.
Michael Sapienza
CEO, Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Hemorrhoids, a common condition affecting about half of all adults by age 50, are often dismissed as harmless. However, because some of the symptoms overlap with those of colorectal cancer, it’s vital to know the difference and get checked when something doesn’t feel right.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids affect millions of people worldwide. Also known as piles, hemorrhoids occur when blood vessels in the anus and/or lower rectum become swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids cause a variety of symptoms that are generally localized to the affected area, including:
- Anal ache, pain, and/or discomfort
- Rectal bleeding
- Lumps near your anus
- Rectal or anal itching
While hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, they are usually not serious. Hemorrhoids can be treated with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and in some cases, medical procedures.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It almost always starts from a growth or polyp, developing into cancer over time. CRC is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early.
Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease, and more than 50,000 die. Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people ages 45 and older, but the disease is increasing in people under age 50. Family history of colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, certain inherited genetic syndromes, and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases put people at high risk of CRC.
People with precancerous polyps or early colorectal cancer generally have no symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:
- Changing bowel habits
- Persistent abdominal discomfort
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or fatigue
Timely screening allows the removal of polyps before they turn into cancer, and CRC has a 91% survival rate when detected early, so being proactive about screening, even without symptoms, is critical.
Talk with your doctor to determine when to start screening and which test is best based on your age, family history, risk factors, and symptoms. However, everyone at average risk should start screening at age 45. There are several options for screening, including colonoscopy and easy-to-use, at-home tests.
Differences in hemorrhoids and CRC symptoms
Hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer can both cause bleeding from the anus or rectum. However, hemorrhoid bleeding is usually bright red and occurs during or after a bowel movement, while colorectal cancer bleeding can be either dark or bright red and can occur at any time.
Persistent bowel discomfort may be another symptom that is hard to differentiate between hemorrhoids, CRC, or another condition. The only way to be certain is to speak to your healthcare provider right away.
Discussing bowel habits may feel uncomfortable, but silence can be deadly. As we age, paying attention to our bodies and talking openly about symptoms is a critical part of healthy aging.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to ending the disease, offers a free screening tool with more information at getscreened.org.
