By Dr Kaushik Vora, Proctologist, Apollo Clinic, Bora Service, Ulubari GS Road
Many young people in India grow up hearing this line: “If piles is not treated, it will turn into cancer.” This is one of the biggest misconceptions — especially in Assam and the Northeast.
Let’s clear it once and for all.
Can Piles Turn Cancerous?
Short answer: NO. Piles can NEVER turn into cancer.
Piles (haemorrhoids) are swollen veins, just like varicose veins in the legs. Cancer develops from abnormal cells, not from veins. So medically, piles cannot transform into cancer.
Then Why Do People Think Piles Can Become Cancer?
There’s one reason: Both piles and colorectal cancer can cause bleeding per rectum.
Because of this overlap, many people assume:
- “Bleeding = piles”
- “If bleeding continues = cancer”
This leads to dangerous delays in diagnosis.
In many parts of India — especially earlier when healthcare access was limited — any rectal bleeding was labelled as “piles”, even when it wasn’t.
The REAL Problem: Ignoring Bleeding
Most people do this:
- Notice bleeding
- Assume it’s piles
- Take OTC medicines from a pharmacy
- Delay seeing a doctor
This is risky because not all bleeding is piles.
Red Flag Signs That Should NEVER Be Ignored
If you have bleeding along with any of these symptoms, you must consult a doctor:
- Recent weight loss
- Change in stool consistency or bowel habits
- Easy fatigue or weakness
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Bleeding that keeps increasing
These symptoms do NOT mean you have cancer — but they are warning signs that need medical evaluation.
The Good News: Early Detection = Excellent Outcome
Colorectal cancer, when diagnosed early, has a very high cure rate. That’s why ignoring bleeding is the real danger, not piles itself.
What Is the Worst That Can Happen With Piles?
Piles can cause:
- Grade 4 prolapse (completely coming out)
- Severe bleeding
- Anaemia
- Pain and discomfort
But even the worst-case scenario of piles is NOT cancer.
So What Should You Do If You Have Bleeding?
- Don’t panic
- Don’t assume it’s cancer
- Don’t self-medicate
- Don’t ignore it
Instead, get a simple evaluation from a qualified doctor or anyone specializing in Proctology field. Most cases turn out to be piles, fissure, or infection — all treatable.
Final Takeaway for Young Readers
- Piles NEVER turn cancerous
- Bleeding should never be ignored
- Early diagnosis = best outcome
- Awareness is your biggest protection