Rectal cancer refers to cancer between the dentate line and the junction of rectosigmoid colon, which is one of the most common malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. What are the early symptoms and treatment of rectal cancer and what should be noted in the diet after having rectal cancer? The difference between rectal cancer and hemorrhoids, early symptoms of rectal cancer are very similar to hemorrhoids. Many patients fail to diagnose it in time because they ignore the painless blood in stool. However, there are actually differences between these two diseases. First of all, blood in stool is different. Hemorrhoid blood in stool is characterized by bleeding during defecation, which is bright red in color and stops on its own after defecation; rectal cancer, on the other hand, has blood in stool, which in many cases is mixed with mucus or pus, and the color of this blood is darker than hemorrhoid bleeding. Secondly, rectal cancer may cause changes in bowel habits, such as thinner stools, more frequent stools or alternating constipation and diarrhea. In addition, rectal cancer is often accompanied by other symptoms. For example, abdominal discomfort, bloated feeling or persistent vague pain. Due to tumor consumption, patients may also have systemic symptoms such as anemia, weakness, weight loss, and low fever. In case of hemorrhoids, they rarely cause these discomforts. Once there are suspicious symptoms such as blood in stool and stool dysfunction, do not easily conclude that you are suffering from hemorrhoids, but promptly see a specialist for necessary examinations such as anoscopy, proctoscopy and colonoscopy. Anyone over 40 years of age with any of the following symptoms should be classified as a high-risk group: 1. First-degree relatives with a history of colorectal cancer; 2. History of cancer or intestinal adenoma or polyps; 3. Positive stool occult blood test.