Cancer of the colon and rectum are common cancers in older people. They sometimes affect younger people. Rectal Bleeding is one symptom that may occur. Bleeding is often 'occult' (see later) and other symptoms are often present before visible bleeding occurs. For example, pains, anaemia, weight loss, diarrhoea or constipation. See separate leaflet called 'Cancer of the Bowel' for details. Cancers