In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of rectal cancer. It is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Rectal cancer is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Risk factors may include:
Most cases of cancer are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50, with risk increasing with age.
A family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), increases risk.
A history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
The following lifestyle factors may increase the risk of rectal cancer: obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in red and processed meats.
Rectal cancer symptoms include:
Bleeding in the rectum or blood in the stool
An altered bowel habit, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a narrowing of the stool
Uncomfortable abdominal cramps or pain that persists
Weight loss that is unexplained
Fatigue or weakness
Incomplete emptying of the bowels
Anemia due to iron deficiency
Rectal cancer is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Diagnostic procedures may include:
Performing a digital rectal examination to detect abnormalities or masses in the rectum
To visualize the rectum and colon and detect any suspicious lesions or tumors, a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is performed
In order to confirm the presence of cancer cells, a biopsy of suspicious tissue samples is conducted for pathological examination
An imaging study, such as a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan, is used to determine the extent of cancer spread (staging).
Depending on the stage of the disease, rectal cancer may be treated with:
Surgical removal of the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissues (resection), along with lymph node removal, may be necessary.
To shrink tumors or prevent recurrence, radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
In chemotherapy, anti-cancer drugs are administered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth and spread, sometimes combined with radiation therapy (chemoradiation).
For advanced or metastatic rectal cancer, targeted therapies can be effective, particularly if they target cancer cells or their molecular pathways.
Rectal cancer can be prevented by:
In individuals at increased risk because of age, family history, or personal medical history, screening tests such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are recommended for early detection of colorectal cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce your risk of developing rectal cancer.
Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or genetic syndromes associated with increased cancer risk should consider genetic counseling and testing to assess their risk and make informed screening and prevention decisions.
