# Blood in stool: causes and when to see a doctor

_Blood in stool: 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/blood-in-stool

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

> Bright red blood is often from piles or a small tear. Blood in the stool, or black stools, can also be a sign of bowel cancer, the fifth most common cancer in Kenya. See a clinician, especially if you are over 45 or it keeps happening.

**Blood in stool: what to do**

| How urgent | What a clinician will check | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| See a clinician, especially if you are over 45 or it keeps happening. | A stool blood test, and a colonoscopy if needed. | Cancer risk assessment | Cancer risk assessments, KES 300 |

## Blood in stool: common questions

**Q: What can cause blood in stool?**

A: Bright red blood is often from piles or a small tear. Blood in the stool, or black stools, can also be a sign of bowel cancer, the fifth most common cancer in Kenya.

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

A: See a clinician, especially if you are over 45 or it keeps happening.

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

A: A stool blood test, and a colonoscopy if needed.

**Q: Does blood in stool 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, Bowel cancer symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-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

- [Black stools: causes and when to worry | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/black-stools)
- [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)