o   A doctor always should investigate blood in your stool.

o   Hemorrhoids frequently cause rectal bleeding, but because hemorrhoids are so common,      they may exist with cancer. Therefore,even when you have hemorrhoids,you should have a      doctor examine your entire intestinal tract when you have blood in your bowel movements.

     With some individuals, X-ray studies may be enough to clarify a diagnosis.

     Colonoscopy is usually recommended.

     Sometimes when the source of bleeding is entirely clear (for example, recurrent ulcers), these      studies may not be needed.