Rectal Bleeding

Blood on toilet paper or that tints the water in the toilet may be a result of haemorrhoids (piles) or a small cut or tear in your anal opening (anal fissure). Other causes may include:

Rectal bleeding can also be a symptom of bowel cancer. If you have any concerns about changes in your bowel habits or rectal bleeding see your GP in the first instance.

Related conditions

Anal tear (or anal fissure)

An anal tear or fissure is a cut or tear in the anal opening.

Bowel cancer

Your bowels are made up of two sections - the small and the large bowel (or colon). If cells begin to develop and multiply abnormally in your bowel they can become cancerous.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis, and diverticular disease, occur when one or more pockets of diverticula in your bowel wall becomes infected or inflamed.

Duodenal ulcer

Duodenal ulcers are open sores in the part of your intestine located just below your stomach.

Endocrine cancer

Your endocrine system is made up of all the glands in your body that produce hormones.

Open sores in the lining of your stomach are called stomach (or gastric) ulcers. Ulcers can also occur in your small intestine (your duodenum). They are caused by an imbalance of digestive fluids in your stomach or intestines.

Gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal cancers, usually referred to as GI cancers, affect the majority of the digestive system, or the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, biliary system, bowel pancreas, and liver.

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are soft fleshy lumps just inside the back passage (anus). They bleed easily, usually causing fresh bright-red bleeding when a motion is passed. They do not usually cause pain but can cause itching.