Piles may mask more serious problem

[Posted: Thu 28/09/2000 www.irishhealth.com]

People who are too embarrassed to seek medical attention for the age-old problem of piles could be putting themselves at serious risk, according to a recent survey.

The survey of 800 adults indicated that there is a dangerously low level of understanding about the condition amongst Irish people. If left untreated, piles can cause major discomfort and can also be a sign of a more serious medical problem, such as colorectal cancer.

The survey showed that 70% of people had heard of piles and knew which part of the body it affected. However only 55% of those polled knew that piles are varicose veins in the back passage that can sometimes bleed when a person tries to defaecate.

Commenting on the survey, Professor Colm O'Morain, consultant gastroenterologist at Tallaght Hospital urged people to visit their doctor if they experience any bleeding in their back passage.

"Chances are good that the problem is only piles which can be dealt with by purchasing the necessary product from the pharmacy, but rectal bleeding can also be a sign of something more sinister such as colorectal cancer, which if caught early, is a highly curable disease."

Every year in Ireland, 1,800 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and there are approximately 900 deaths from the disease.

Dr O'Morain warned, "we need to get the public to recognise family history of colorectal cancer and/or rectal bleeding as potential precursors for the development of colorectal cancer".

The survey was carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of the makers of Anusol.

Sandra(workforme)  Posted: 22/05/2001 17:55

My Partner is suffering bleeding from the back passage and won't go to the doctor is there anything else I can do

Posted: 19/06/2001 18:17

I have suffered with this problem for a number of years and I find that I need to use the ointment on a daily basis. My doctor does not recommend surgery. Is there a more satisfactory solution?

Anonymous   Posted: 29/06/2004 12:36

is there any way to treat these piles by laser to remove the offending piles and ease the pain?

t(ODT46067)  Posted: 29/04/2006 23:12

http://www.hemorrhoids.net/ all will be answered

Hilda  Posted: 04/09/2006 18:48

Beware of above website unless you can bear the sight of some graphic diagrams of surgical procedures! The pain in my rear end increased dramatically upon catching sight of said pictures...........

Anonymous   Posted: 11/09/2006 17:52

Was thinking of getting something done to mine, but after looking at the above website I think I'll suffer on!

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