1. Core Conclusion: Hemorrhoids Are Not the "Predecessor" of Cancer

We must make one thing clear: hemorrhoids and rectal cancer are two completely different types of diseases.

What are hemorrhoids? In simple terms, they can be understood as a "vascular mass" issue in the anal area. They occur when the venous plexus around the anus becomes relaxed, congested, and swollen due to increased pressure (such as chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, etc.), forming varicose vein clusters. It is a benign vascular condition.

What is cancer? It occurs when cells in certain parts of the body undergo genetic mutations, lose normal growth control, and begin to proliferate uncontrollably in a malignant manner, potentially invading and metastasizing to other tissues. Rectal cancer is a malignant tumor formed by the cancerous transformation of mucosal epithelial cells in the rectum.

Simply put, hemorrhoids are a "vascular" issue, while rectal cancer is an "epithelial cell" issue. They originate from different tissues, so a benign vascular cluster cannot suddenly transform into a malignant epithelial cell tumor.

2. Why is the myth that "hemorrhoids can turn cancerous" so widespread?

While medical science clearly states that hemorrhoids do not turn cancerous, this misconception persists mainly for the following reasons:

Highly similar symptoms causing confusion: The early symptoms of hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer, particularly rectal bleeding, are remarkably alike.

Hemorrhoid bleeding: Typically manifests as dripping blood, spurting blood, or blood on toilet paper during bowel movements. The blood appears bright red and isn't mixed with stool.

Colorectal cancer bleeding: The blood may appear darker in color, often mixed with stool, and sometimes contains mucus or pus.

Because the symptoms are similar, many people naturally assume it's their "old problem" of hemorrhoids when they experience bloody stools, thereby overlooking the possibility of more dangerous diseases and delaying diagnosis and treatment.

"Coexistence" phenomenon: A person can have both hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer simultaneously. Particularly among middle-aged and elderly populations, these are both high-incidence age groups for hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer. When diagnosed with colorectal cancer, if the patient also has hemorrhoids, it's easy to mistakenly believe that hemorrhoids have "evolved" into cancer.

Misconception about long-term chronic irritation: One theory suggests that long-term chronic inflammatory irritation may increase the risk of malignant transformation. While severe hemorrhoids can indeed cause local inflammation, there is currently no strong scientific evidence indicating that this inflammation directly leads to the development of colorectal cancer.

3. How to distinguish between hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer? Key points to watch for:

Learning to make preliminary distinctions is crucial for seeking timely medical attention. In addition to observing the color and state of bloody stools, one should also be alert for the following "warning signs":

Symptom Characteristics

Hemorrhoids

Rectal cancer (requires vigilance!)

Color of Blood in Stool

Bright Red

Dark Red or Jam-colored, Often Mixed with Stool

Bowel Habits

No significant changes

Persistent changes (e.g., alternating constipation and diarrhea, incomplete evacuation, tenesmus)

Stool form

Normal

Stool becomes thin, flat, or grooved

Pain

Anal swelling pain or dragging pain (especially thrombosed hemorrhoids)

Usually painless in early stages, may develop abdominal pain or anal fullness in advanced stages

Other symptoms

Anal prolapse, itching

Unexplained weight loss, anemia, fatigue, abdominal mass

Most important message: Once the above "alarm signals" appear, especially bloody stools and changes in bowel habits and shape, do not self-diagnose as hemorrhoids but immediately seek medical attention at the hospital's proctology or gastroenterology department.

4. What Should We Do?

Gain Proper Understanding, Eliminate Panic: Recognizing the fact that "hemorrhoids do not become cancerous" can relieve unnecessary psychological burdens. However, it is equally important to remain vigilant about colorectal cancer.

Pay Attention to Symptoms and Seek Timely Medical Care: Any persistent digestive symptoms, especially bloody stools, should be evaluated by a professional doctor. Physicians can confirm the diagnosis through digital rectal examination and colonoscopy—these two tests are the "gold standard" for distinguishing between hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer.

Proactive Prevention, Healthy Lifestyle: Whether preventing hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer, a healthy lifestyle serves as the foundation.

High-Fiber Diet: Consume more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to maintain smooth bowel movements.

Drink more water: Ensure adequate water intake to soften stools.

Regular exercise: Avoid prolonged sitting or standing to promote bowel movement.

Regular bowel habits: Develop a routine for bowel movements and avoid prolonged straining or squatting.

Summary

Hemorrhoids are a benign condition and cannot transform into cancer. What we truly need to be vigilant about is misidentosing rectal cancer as hemorrhoids due to similar symptoms, thereby missing the optimal treatment window. Remember, your healthcare guardian should always be a professional doctor - not self-diagnosis. When experiencing any discomfort in the anal region, trusting science and seeking timely medical attention represents the most responsible approach to your health.