# Black stools: causes and when to see a doctor

_Black stools: what it can be linked to, how urgent it is and what to do next. Kenya guidance from My Wellness Health._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/black-stools

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Black stools can come from iron tablets or some foods. Black, tarry stools can also mean bleeding higher in the gut, from an ulcer or, less often, oesophageal or stomach cancer. Black tarry stools with dizziness or vomiting need same-day care.

**Black stools: what to do**

| How urgent | What a clinician will check | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Black tarry stools with dizziness or vomiting need same-day care. | A clinician will look for the source of bleeding. | Cancer risk assessment | Cancer risk assessments, KES 300 |

## Black stools: common questions

**Q: What can cause black stools?**

A: Black stools can come from iron tablets or some foods. Black, tarry stools can also mean bleeding higher in the gut, from an ulcer or, less often, oesophageal or stomach cancer.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Black tarry stools with dizziness or vomiting need same-day care.

**Q: What will the doctor check?**

A: A clinician will look for the source of bleeding.

**Q: Does black stools mean I have cancer?**

A: Usually not, but it is worth getting checked so a clinician can find the cause. Only an examination and tests can tell.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's cancer risk assessment (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [NHS, Oesophageal cancer symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oesophageal-cancer/symptoms/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines](https://www.iccp-portal.org/resources/national-cancer-screening-and-early-diagnosis-guidelines)

## Related symptoms

- [Blood in stool: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/blood-in-stool)
- [Change in bowel habits: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/change-in-bowel-habits)
- [Difficulty swallowing: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/difficulty-swallowing)
- [Indigestion that won't go away: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/indigestion-that-won-t-go-away)
- [Persistent heartburn: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/persistent-heartburn)