Symptoms, Causes, Screening, and Treatment
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 bang out of cancer that develops in the rectum.
Illustration by Verywell
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?
Illustration by Verywell
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.
If a screening test reveals suspicious results, then a colon biopsy is done.
Acolon biopsycan be done during a colonoscopy or surgery.
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.
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 organs in the body are made up of cells that divide and multiply as the body needs them.
Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell’s DNA, leading to cellular death.
It may also be given in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Prevention
Regular colon cancer screening is key to preventing rectal cancer.
Screening can identify precancerous growths before they potentially progress into cancer.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
