Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum, and affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people aged 50 years or older. For men, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after prostate and lung cancers. For women, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after breast and lung cancers.
Blood in the stool may be the only symptom of colorectal cancer, but not all blood in the stool is caused by cancer. Other conditions that can cause blood in the stool include: Hemorrhoids, Anal fissures, Colon polyps, Peptic ulcers, Ulcerative colitis. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Crohn's disease, Use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).