I started about 8 months ago. Never really been one of those people that went every day for a poo. So didn't allways look the same. But it started to become uncomfortable and painful and then the blood started to appear. Sometimes worse and bright red when I wiped. After a couple of phone calls to the GP and every cream used. I was finally referred to a consultant. By this time my bum was so tender she couldn't examin me. Weeks later I had a failed colonoscopy because too painful. Saw another consultant, was investigated under general ...... and biopsy. I woke in a morphine haze to be told I had a mass !! Booked for CT scan. MRI scan wait for results. 
Our family has a terrible history for all different cancers. Not once did anyone say this was my diognosis. My piles turned out to be a rare anal cancer and also in a lymph node. I'm waiting for a call to see whether it's chemo first or surgery to remove my back passage !! Please get checked. No matter how small the problem maybe. It is still surreal for me. I only found out days ago. My life will change as I have to have a stoma. But at least I will be alive.