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Are Hemorrhoids A Sign of Cancer?
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Articles June 19, 2025
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Are Hemorrhoids A Sign of Cancer?

Man suffering from hemorrhoids, anal pain on gray background

When it comes to discomfort in the rear end…

it’s easy to assume it’s probably just a case of hemorrhoids. But what if the issue causing discomfort is more concerning, like colorectal cancer? How can you distinguish between the two?

Are your hemorrhoids actually cancer in disguise? In this article, we’re exploring various rectal issues – all to help you decide whether you’re experiencing just a pain in the rear or a potentially serious health condition such as cancer.

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Butt Wait – What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, which are also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anus and on lower part of the rectum. They are extremely common. In fact, 1 in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids, and about half of adults older than age 50 have them. They can develop either internally (inside the rectum) or externally (under the skin around the anus). Hemorrhoids look like small lumps or bulges in various sizes and colors.

Colon, Rectal, and Colorectal Cancers

Colon cancer starts in the large intestine’s lining, called the colon. However, rectal cancer begins in the rectum, the last couple of inches of the colon. Cancer found in both the colon and the rectum is classified as colorectal cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Signs to Look Out For

Hemorrhoid symptoms are similar to symptoms of rectal cancer, colon cancer, and colorectal cancer.

  • Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless and rarely cause discomfort. They may cause painless bleeding during bowel movements and can protrude through the anal opening, also known as prolapse. While they may cause discomfort or a feeling of fullness, they usually retract back inside on their own.
  • External hemorrhoids can be itchy, painful, and swollen, and they may cause bleeding around the anal opening. These symptoms can occur during bowel movements or while sitting for extended periods. They are also irritated by friction from clothing or cleaning, leading to discomfort and itching.

In some cases, blood clots can form within internal and external hemorrhoids, causing severe pain and swelling. Signs of rectal, colon, and colorectal cancer may include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, stomach pain, and weight loss.

Does Your Lifestyle Increase Your Risk?

Age, race, and genetics all play a role in the risk of these cancers. But did you know alcohol and cigarette consumption play a direct role in the higher risk of these cancers? Cigarette smoking is a well-known cause of lung cancer and other cancers, such as colorectal cancer. According to Cancer.gov, alcohol use accounts for about 6% of all cancers and 4% of all cancer deaths in the United States. Drinking three or more alcoholic beverages per day increases your risk of colorectal cancer.

Are Hemorrhoids Cancerous?

While hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, they are not cancerous. According to a 2021 study, however, people with hemorrhoids may be at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer.  If you are over age 45 and have hemorrhoids, even without symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and screening.

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Comments

Ali says
I have hemorrhoids from last two months the reason the reason is my stool is very hard when I go to toilet my stool is passing very hardly and when I pressure then I feel very pain and itching and swelling

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Lucy Ehasz replies
Do yourself a favor & see a specialist, & I have done so for 8 years w/bleeding & inflammation, pain, etc. Every specialist I’ve seen is REPEATING expensive tests & meds, imaging, also procedures other than colonoscopy, expensive. This is ongoing for 8 years, the worse, last 3 years. I THOUGHT I got a great NEW surgeon..NOT! Furthermore, I feel as if I’m being sent home every other month, to die, & after I pay a lot of $, even with decent Medicare Advantage insurance/Medicare, bc surgeons don’t seem to care about anything other than $. I’m scared & being a retired ER Trauma Care Nurse for 11 years & today’s surgeon seemed so uncaring, some of them, “quacks”. I’m retired Back Lab Tech, too & I think I know what I’m saying. I have internal/external hemorrhoids that 6th surgeon today said that hemorrhoids do not cause cancer, & she’s correct to a point, but Harvard Medical & other online research states that IF you have hemorrhoids, you’re more susceptible to cancer from the hemorrhoids. Reality: you are more susceptible to cancer, whether internal or external polyps. They pulled the same on my neighbor, she was diagnosed with mild hemmorhoids, & she was to wait 5 years for another colonoscopy, but luckily she got in 2 weeks later, that saved her life…they told her it was hemorrhoids & to b go home, but 2 weeks later with a 2nd opinion, she had stage 2 cancer that required surgery, colostomy bag, chemo/radiation. IF she had waited the extra 6 months as they requested, she’d have been @ Stage 4 & passed away bc of malpractice. Advocate for yourself. You have a right to be taken care of & GOOD LUCK! You can always ask me anything about this & IF I’m unsure, I’ll cross-reference my brain by checking Harvard Medical Online/Web-MD. Don’t be scared by the itching & soreness, as long as it doesn’t interfere with quality of life, if you catch it early like SOON, you’ll be OK! Trust ME!

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