<s>[INST] I have acid reflux and was diagnosed with esophagitis and gastritis through upper endoscopy. Am constipated on and off and have recently noticed a (very)  small amount of blood and mucous after a bowel movement. I am 48 and my last colonoscopy was 13 yrs ago- normal. Fecal occult blood test last month- negative. I am feeling really worried about colon cancer?  Could it be something less serious? [/INST] Hello,There can be various causes for blood in stools along with mucus.These causes can be ..HemorrhoidsInflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease.Colon and rectal cancer.You should not take it lightly and get a colonoscopy along with a possible biopsy,if required.Thanks </s>