In addition to short-lived or manageable conditions, some more serious ailments can cause bloody stool. One such disease is bowel cancer. Bloody stools are one of the earliest symptoms of bowel cancer, which can appear in the rectum and colon, but most cases affect the latter. Bloody stools are not the only sign; other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, gas, bloating, cramping, stool that looks narrower than usual, and loss of appetite. Sudden pain in the abdomen combined with these other symptoms indicates a need to see a doctor.

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