Reviewed on : 6 Apr 2022

Reviewed by : GP Gateway Editor

Expires : 6 Apr 2024

Rectal bleeding

New symptoms of bright red rectal bleeding should be referred to the respective Rectal Bleed Clinic or Colorectal Clinic unless there is an additional reason to suspect colorectal cancer.

Suspicion of Colorectal Cancer

UNDER 50 YEARS with rectal bleeding and ONE of the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Iron-deficiency anaemia – below: 120 (women) or 130 (men)
• Change in bowel habit to looser stool and/or increased frequency of defaecation persisting for 6 weeks or more, or weight loss

OVER 50 YEARS  with UNEXPLAINED rectal bleeding

For further information see Lower GI 2WW GP Gateway Page

Faecal Occult Blood Testing (FIT)

FIT can be requested for symptomatic patients who do not meet the criteria for referral on the Lower GI cancer 2WW pathway.

Several lower gastrointestinal symptoms can suggest colorectal cancer, including rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, weight loss, anaemia, abdominal pain, blood in stools (faeces) and unexplained thrombocytosis.

For further information see Faecal Occult Blood Testing (FIT) GP Gateway Page