Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverviewSymptomsCauses/Risk FactorsScreening/DiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Overview
Symptoms
Causes/Risk Factors
Screening/Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
The rectum is the last six inches of the large intestine. Like other organs in the body, the rectum is vulnerable to many diseases and conditions, including cancer. Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the rectum.
This article will discuss what rectal cancer is and its symptoms. It also covers the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and screening of the disease.
What Is Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer differs fromanal cancer, which refers to cancers that are in the region between the rectum and the outside of the body. The terms “colon cancer” and “colorectal cancer” are often used interchangeably, so much of the information that you will see about colon cancer pertains to rectal cancer as well.
However, rectal cancer is different from cancer that is found higher up in the colon, especially when it comes to treating the disease with surgery. It is estimated that rectal cancer caused 43,340 deaths in 2020.
What Are The Symptoms of Rectal Cancer?
In its early stages, rectal cancer usually doesn’t have symptoms. As the disease progresses, which can take years,symptoms of rectal cancerinclude:
Rectal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes rectal cancer, but they do know what increases a person’s risk of developing it.Risk factors for rectal cancerinclude:
Screening and Diagnosis
Several colon cancer screening methods are highly effective at detecting rectal cancer. Colon and rectal cancer screening tests include:
For adults who are at average risk of developing colon or rectal cancer, it is recommended to begin getting screened at age 45. Adults who are at a higher risk of developing the disease may need to begin screening at an earlier age based on the recommendation of their healthcare provider.
Remember, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms of rectal cancer, you should always follow your healthcare provider’s screening recommendations. If a screening test reveals suspicious results, then a colon biopsy is done.
Acolon biopsycan be done during a colonoscopy or surgery. During a colon biopsy, small amounts of rectal tissue are removed and then sent to a pathology lab to screen for evidence of cancer.
If cancer is present, imaging studies such as a CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endoscopic ultrasound help toassign a clinical stage, which is critical to determining the course of treatment.
Surrounding lymph nodes are tested and may also be removed during the surgery. Further testing may be done to see whether the cancer has metastasized or spread.
How Rectal Cancer Is Treated
The treatment for rectal cancer will depend on the stage of the disease, as well as other factors such as the particular location of the tumor(s) and your general health.
Surgery
In the early stages of rectal cancer, surgery may be the only treatment needed. Several surgical methods can be used to remove cancerous rectal tissue.
The type of surgery that’s chosen depends on the patient’s general health, the stage of the rectal cancer, and the location of the tumor(s).For those who are not good candidates for surgery, radiation therapy may be an option, but it is usually not as effective.
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Regular colon cancer screening is key to preventing rectal cancer. Screening can identify precancerous growths before they potentially progress into cancer. Keep in mind that it takes years for rectal cancer to develop, so routine screening can detect these changes long before they turn cancerous.
Avoiding risk factors for colon cancer can also reduce your chances of developing the disease. Eating abalanced dietis important, as well as maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking.
Colon Cancer
Summary
Rectal cancer occurs in the rectum, the last six inches of the large intestine. People with rectal cancer in its early stages usually don’t have symptoms, sometimes for years. As the disease progresses, they may develop blood in the stool, digestive issues, unexplained weight loss, anemia, and other issues.
Being older than 50, smoking, and having a family history of colon cancer are all risk factors for rectal cancer. Treatments for rectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Regular colon screening is essential for rectal cancer prevention. If you’re at an average risk, it’s recommended to begin getting colonoscopies at age 45.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.American Cancer Society.Surgery for rectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Can colorectal cancer be prevented?Additional ReadingNational Cancer Institute.Rectal cancer treatment (PDQ®)–health professional version.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.American Cancer Society.Surgery for rectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Can colorectal cancer be prevented?Additional ReadingNational Cancer Institute.Rectal cancer treatment (PDQ®)–health professional version.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.American Cancer Society.Surgery for rectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.Can colorectal cancer be prevented?
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.
American Cancer Society.Surgery for rectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Can colorectal cancer be prevented?
National Cancer Institute.Rectal cancer treatment (PDQ®)–health professional version.
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