Worry about colon cancer?

When I defecate and then wipe myself, I usually notice on the toilet paper what look like very small pieces of dark (almost black) faeces.

I am a 31 year old white male and have not really noticed this in the past, but I don't think that this necessarily means that what I notice now is anything sinister. In other words what I am thinking is that perhaps this has always happened to me but I just haven't taken any time to notice it in the past. My main concern is that the "dark or nearly black" small bits on the toilet paper contain some blood or equally they could just be from any dark food I have eaten rather than containing any blood.

The feaces turn black when there is too much bilurubin present. Even taking an iron supplement and eating too much food which contains iron could cause this.
Also, it could be blood like you say from further up the GI tract. It doesnt make sense that there are just "small bits" of it.
I think this warrants a GPs referal. However, watch out for other signs such as, bloating, interance to food, changes in stool movements (constipation, diarrhoea).
Im sure you will be ok.

x

I think you are likely right,but it is good to be aware. I have been
having colonoscopies for the last 15 years because of a history of
polyps. I went without a colonoscopy for 5 years and got a golf ball
size tumor. Thank God it wasn't cancer. I now get my yearly colonoscopy. It would be wise for you to talk to your Dr about having a
colonoscopy. He can decide along with you if you need to have one.
Better safe than sorry.
Good luck.

Go and see your GP. They will give you a FOB testing kit, which you do over 3 days at home. They send this off and it shouldn't be long before you get the results. Nobody on here is going to be able to diagnose you, and even if you get a positive FOB result, it may not be cancer, but an ulcer or similar. But you need to see your GP asap.

I had colon cancer and I am in my 40's. I had no sign except for one night I saw blood in my stool (I was on a blood thinner for a blood clot in my let. It was the firt time I saw blood and went to the ER for it. They didn't think it was anything and they (dr) were all stocked I had stage 1 cancer. I was constipated all the time too, just went little nuggets. Please have it checked. Please read below.


Common symptom of colorectal cancer is a change in bowel habits. Symptoms include:


Having diarrhea or constipation

Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely

Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool

Finding your stools are narrower than usual

Frequently having gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated

Losing weight with no known reason

Feeling very tired all the time

Having nausea or vomiting


Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause the same symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Usually, early cancer does not cause pain. It is important not to wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor.