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.

Causes

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.

Symptoms

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

Diagnosis

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).

Treatment

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.

Prevention

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.