What are the symptoms of rectal cancer? What causes rectal cancer? How is rectal cancer treated? Get the answers to these questions and more.

Understanding Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the rectum, which is the lower part of the digestive system, located between the colon and the anus. Rectal cancer is often grouped together with colon cancer under the term “colorectal cancer,” as they share many similarities.

In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer and the second deadliest, making early detection and treatment critical. Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in females and the third most common cancer in males, according to a 2020 report from the Worldwide Cancer Research Fund.

Symptoms of Rectal Cancer

At first, rectal cancer may be asymptomatic, meaning it doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. As the cancer progresses, the most common symptom is rectal bleeding. Other potential symptoms include changes in bowel habits, unexplained weakness and fatigue, and other gastrointestinal issues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Changes in bowel movements
• Feeling that the bowel isn’t emptying completely
• Pain during bowel movements
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Unintentional weight loss and appetite changes
• Unexplained fatigue
• Frequent abdominal discomfort, gas, cramps, or pain

Another possible sign of rectal cancer is iron-deficiency anemia, which may occur as a result of blood loss.

Causes of Rectal Cancer

The exact cause of rectal cancer is unknown, but it is known to develop when cancerous cells grow out of control and multiply, eventually penetrating and destroying healthy tissue. While the precise trigger for this process is not always clear, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing rectal cancer.

Genetic Factors

Certain inherited gene mutations can increase the risk of rectal cancer. Two genetic conditions that are associated with an increased risk are hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

Other Risk Factors

Other factors that may increase the risk of rectal cancer include:

• Age (diagnosis usually occurs after age 50, although rates are increasing among younger people)
• Race (Black Americans are at higher risk than other groups)
• Personal or family history of colorectal cancer
• Previous radiation therapy to the abdomen
• Certain medical conditions, such as ovarian cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 2 diabetes
• Lifestyle factors, such as a diet low in vegetables and fiber, a diet high in red and processed meat, lack of exercise, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption

Diagnosing Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, screening tests, and colonoscopy.

Physical Exam and Screening Tests

The doctor will likely begin by taking a medical history and performing a physical exam, which may include a digital rectal exam to feel for any lumps or abnormalities. The doctor may then recommend a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or a sigmoidoscopy to screen for signs of cancer.

Colonoscopy

If the screening tests are positive for cancer, the next step is a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a thin tube with a light and camera to examine the inside of the rectum and colon. They can also collect tissue samples for further examination in a lab.

Treating Rectal Cancer

The treatment for rectal cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer, its location, and the overall health of the patient. The main treatment options include:

Surgery

Surgery is often the primary treatment for rectal cancer. The type of surgery will depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or kill any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiation therapy or surgery to help kill cancer cells and prevent the cancer from spreading.

Targeted Therapy

In some cases, targeted therapy drugs that target specific genetic mutations or proteins in the cancer cells may be used in addition to other treatments.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The prognosis and survival rates for rectal cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Early-stage rectal cancer has a higher 5-year survival rate compared to late-stage cancer. However, with advancements in treatment and early detection, the overall survival rates for rectal cancer have been improving in recent years.

Conclusion

Rectal cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk and seek early medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms. Regular screening and proactive management of risk factors can also help improve outcomes for those affected by this disease.