title: Rectal bleeding.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rectal bleeding, although common, is frequently alarming to patients because of its association with bowel cancer. An understanding of the causes of rectal bleeding and a systematic approach to diagnosis provides the basis for preventive measures and appropriate treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article discusses the causes, history, examination and investigation of rectal bleeding according to the age of the patient. Treatment of the various conditions is outlined.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although haemorrhoids are the commonest cause of rectal bleeding, most patients over 40 years old presenting with this symptom require colonoscopy in order to screen for and treat premalignant polyps and colorectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: John Fawkner Hospital, Victoria. ghpp@bigpond.net.au
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Hartley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012007:Rectum