It is estimated that less than one percent of those diagnosed with colon cancer are younger than thirty-five. But, given the lethal nature of the disease physicians generally agree that the presence of rectal bleeding, even in a patient under 35, needs to be investigated by a colonoscopy to verify if the bleeding is a result of cancer or a different reason. Just supposing that the blood is caused by hemorrhoids does not meet the standard of care.
Consider what took place in a reported case regarding a woman who told her primary care physician that she noticed blood in her stool and experienced pain during bowel movements. She was just twenty four. The physician, justwithout even conducting an examination, told her to take a laxative after diagnosing her with diarrhea and other bowel issues. The woman went back after 4 months claiming she had constipation, pain and problems sitting. Now the physician at last examined her yet assured her she had hemorrhoids. His treatment: an enema. The woman saw that doctor two more times and every time was told that she merely had hemorrhoids and she had nothing to be concerned with.