I have found blood in my stool does this mean colon cancer?

Not necessarily. Finding blood in your stool (also called rectal bleeding) can be a sign of several different conditions, including:

- Anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus)

- Hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus or rectum)

- Bowel infections (such as diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis)

- Gastrointestinal (GI) polyps (growths on the lining of the colon or rectum)

- Colon cancer

That said, rectal bleeding can be a symptom of colon cancer, so it's important to see your doctor promptly if you notice any blood in your stool. It's especially important to seek medical attention if you're over the age of 50, have a family history of colon cancer, or have other symptoms of colon cancer, such as:

- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrower stools

- Rectal pain or discomfort

- Unexplained weight loss

- Fatigue

- Nausea or vomiting

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. They may also order tests, such as a colonoscopy, to determine the cause of the rectal bleeding.

If your doctor does diagnose colon cancer, the good news is that it is often curable if it is found early. Treatment options for colon cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

So if you're seeing blood in your stool, don't panic, but do see your doctor right away. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in the outcome of colon cancer.