Rectal bleeding is a medical condition that refers to the passage of blood mixed with stool via the anus. This condition may be due to a small tear around the anus or a swollen blood vessel, characterized by bright red blood when you pass stool. Don't ignore this condition as it could have serious health implications. To be safe, let a doctor check you to avoid the unnecessary pain and suffering.  Bright red blood most likely means that the blood has come from somewhere near your anus. However, it is advisable to seek medical attention, as there are more serious causes of rectal bleeding. Here are some of the most common causes of rectal bleeding in adults:

Colon cancer is now a pressing concern in the United States. However, unlike most cancer ailments, the good news is that colon cancer can be prevented and also cured if there is early detection. Emerging medical evidence relates to a possibility of transmission of mother to child in cases of an abnormal gene for colon polyps. The hereditary structures of these genes control the growth and multiplication of the cells surrounding the colon. In the absence of such controlling genes, uncontrolled polyps grow and turn into cancer.

Also referred to as colonic cancer, colon cancer has over the past couple of years grown to become a killer disease all over the world. Research shows that it is the 3rd most common form of cancer affecting both men and women and is estimated that 150,000 new cancer cases are reported every year in the United States. This is exactly the reason why early colon cancer detection is important.

ColoRectal Cancer Awareness Month

Study Finds Colonoscopy Safe and Effective- Read on:

Is a colonoscopy really safe?

If your 50 years of age or above, your doctor has probably advised it’s time for a colonoscopy. But concern about safety of colorectal cancer screening might prevent some people from having the test. To put the public’s fears to rest, German researchers studied adverse events linked to the procedure, finding very few safety concerns.

In some respects, the U.S. is winning the war on cancer. Recent reports show an overall decline in the number of new cancer cases and fewer cancer deaths.

High-Fiber Diet May Help Thwart Colon Cancer

Review of studies suggests cereals, whole grains deliver health benefits

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the US. The risk of developing colon cancer increases exponentially with age, with 90% of cases diagnosed in patients over the age of 50.

March 2011 is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. In view of this, it is pertinent to review the facts about colorectal cancer, as well as certain contributing factors.

I came upon this post on the endonurse.com web site.  For those who will be having colon cancer screening with colonoscopy, this application may be of value.  If the colon is not cleaned well, the risk of poor visualization is high and, therefore,abnormalities such as polyps or cancerous growth can be missed.

As reported from Medscape (11/4, Canavan) reported, "Two new tests that examine the gene signatures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells have demonstrated high sensitivity in the identification of colorectal cancer (CRC) and adenomas larger than 1 cm." Researchers in Switzerland first zeroed in on "60 markers," and the "resulting panel highlighted the gene signatures of proteins involved in several different biologic functions, including those of cellular movement, cell signaling and interaction, tissue and cellular development, cancer, and cell growth and proliferation." Then, after using that "suite of biomarker candidates" to assess other patients with IBD or "non-CRC cancers," investigators decided on "a final selection of 24 genes [that] was used to create two separate assays. They were designated COLOX CRC for cancer detection, and COLOX POL (polyp) for adenomas."

Current methods for colon cancer screening include stool studies for blood, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, and colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy uses CAT scan technology with specialized software to reconstruct images of the colon.  This "virtual colonoscopy" is a fascinating technology, but can not properly image very small polyps and when there is a questionable finding, colonoscopy must be performed.  Therefore, colonoscopy remains the gold-standard for the prevention and diagnosis of colon cancer. Colonoscopy, unlike sigmoidoscopy, allows for examination of the entire colon and not just the left side.