I had a bowel movement a couple of hours ago and it went through easily enough, except there was a slight ache in the rectum a few inches in. I first noticed the blood on the toilet paper which was bright red, and there was a lot of it. In the bowel the water was dark red and the stools had patches of dark red on them. I had to go back to the loo ten minutes later because there was still blood coming out. I have had minimal blood on the toilet paper for the last three years or so, not every time but most. I thought it was from the toilet paper chaffing at the skin.

I thought this could be either hemorrhoids, anal fissure or cancer. I'm 21 but have heard of other people my age with colon cancer.

Other symptoms I have:
- Problems with bloating and gas, sometimes the gas is excessive and keeps belting out like it was all trapped inside.
- Sore lower back near the kidneys.
- I'm very skinny and can't put on weight.
- Occasional constipation and diarrhea, sometimes stools are 3/4 of an inch thick.
- Stools often a different shade or colour.
- Sharp stabbing pains in rectum a few inches in. Had this for a few years but only get it once a month or so. Causes a lot of pain and nearly brings me to my knees. I have previously put it down to internal hemorrhoids. Sometimes get sharp pains in left or right abdomen.
- No energy and tired most of the time. I suffer from major depression which could be causing these things, and I've heard that cancer can cause depression. I don't know why I'm depressed, but I have been for the last few years. Doctors and medication don't work.
- Pale white skin. Every single red mark sticks out and my skin generally looks tired and old.

It's probably just an internal hemorrhoid that burst causing all the blood, but there was a lot and it startled me. I have to see the doc at the end of the month so I'll ask him about it then. I'm curious though, so does anyone have any input?