Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if bleeding is accompanied by fainting, confusion, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, or signs of shock such as cold, clammy skin.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical help for:
Heavy or continuing rectal bleeding
Black, sticky stools with weakness or dizziness
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
Repeated vomiting with abdominal swelling
Inability to pass stool or gas
Fever or increasing pain after colonoscopy or polyp removal
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have persistent rectal bleeding, a lasting change in bowel habits, unexplained tiredness, abdominal discomfort, or unintentional weight loss.
Follow-up is also important if you have missed a planned surveillance colonoscopy.
The article also says
Ask about genetic assessment if you have numerous or repeatedly recurring polyps, polyps at a young age, or close relatives with multiple polyps or early colorectal cancer.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Multiple polyposis of the colon. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.