Spot the difference: Hemorrhoids vs. colorectal cancer

Jul 13, 2026

Key takeaways:

Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, but early detection through routine screening can prevent or detect the disease early.
Hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer share some symptoms like rectal bleeding, but cancer‑related symptoms tend to persist or worsen and any symptoms should never be ignored.
Any blood in the stool or ongoing bowel changes should be discussed with a health care provider.

It’s time to talk some sh*t. Colorectal cancer rates are on the rise among younger adults in the United States. Talking more openly about what happens in the bathroom could save your life, especially when it comes to differentiating symptoms of colorectal cancer and a more common but less serious issue—hemorrhoids.

Many of the symptoms of colorectal cancer look a lot like hemorrhoids, so they’re easy for you or your health care provider to ignore or write off. For younger adults in particular, that can mean avoiding screening or delaying follow-up and diagnosis. Here’s how to spot the difference so you can get the care you need:

What is colorectal cancer?

سرطان قولوني مستقيمي is cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. It is the third-most common cancer in the United States, but can often be prevented with a screening colonoscopy, during which your doctor can find and remove polyps. Polyps are grape-like growths on the walls of the large intestine—which includes both the colon and rectum—that can become cancerous.

Multiple forms of routine screening, such as visual or stool-based tests, also provide the opportunity to detect the disease early when the cancer is small and hasn’t yet spread. Early Detection = Better Outcomes, and finding cancer early gives you the best opportunity for successful treatment.

Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

نزيف من المستقيم أو وجود دم في البراز أو عليه
تغير في حركات الأمعاء يستمر لأكثر من بضعة أيام
- البراز أضيق من المعتاد
Unexplained vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
General abdominal problems such as bloating, fullness or a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one
Persistent abdominal cramps
Weight loss for no apparent reason
Unexplained fatigue

READ ALSO | 5 myths about colorectal cancer

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins found in the anus or lower rectum. According to the Mayo Clinic, hemorrhoids can develop when the veins around the anus stretch under pressure, resulting in budging or swelling. Hemorrhoids can be caused by many things, but among the most common causes are:

Straining during bowel movements (often due to constipation)
Sitting for extended periods of time, especially on the toilet
Long-lasting diarrhea or constipation
Having obesity
Being pregnant, giving birth and/or being postpartum

Symptoms vary depending on where the hemorrhoids develop, but generally include:

Bleeding, which may appear bright red in color on toilet paper or in the toilet
Itching or irritation
Pain or discomfort
Swelling around the anus

What symptoms of colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids overlap?

Both colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids can result in a change in bowel habits, which could include rectal bleeding or discomfort during bowel movements.

While these symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, they should not be dismissed—especially if they persist.

What differences between colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids should I pay attention to?

While colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids both include symptoms like blood in the stool, colorectal cancer symptoms are usually more persistent and will last longer or worsen over time.

Colorectal cancer may be more likely when symptoms:

Include unexplained weight loss, fatigue or iron-deficiency anemia
Last more than a few weeks and/or worsen overtime

Hemorrhoids are more likely when symptoms:

Are exclusively linked to bowel movements
Improve with time or lifestyle changes

Bleeding caused by colorectal cancer can be dark أو bright red in color, while blood from hemorrhoids is typically bright red.

When should I see a doctor?

You should discuss any symptoms, including blood in the stool or a change in bowel habits, with your health care provider. You should also check in with them if your symptoms don’t improve.

Because colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids can cause some of the same symptoms, the bottom line is there is no way for you to tell which one it is unless you get screened.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or if you’re having symptoms before routine screening begins at age 45, talk to a health care provider. Based on your symptoms and other risk factors, your health care provider may recommend beginning screening with a colonoscopy earlier or more frequently.

What can I do to prevent colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. The best chance at better health outcomes is detecting cancer early, before symptoms develop.

For people of average risk, you should begin routine colorectal cancer screening at age 45, even if you feel fine. In addition to a colonoscopy, there are other options to screen for colorectal cancer for those of average risk. Talk to your health care provider to choose which test is right for you.

Hemorrhoids are common and usually harmless—but it’s hard to know if they’re the problem. If symptoms persist, it’s important to talk with your doctor to check your health.

To learn more about risk factors, signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, visit الوقاية من السرطان.org/colorectal.