What is rectal cancer?

The rectum and the colon make up the large intestine, or large bowel. The rectum is the last six inches of the large bowel and connects the colon to the anus. Cancer of the rectum and/or colon is referred to as colorectal cancer and is the fourth most common cancer around the world. The two cancers are grouped together because they share many characteristics and are treated similarly. Rectal cancer occurs when cells in the rectum mutate and grow out of control. The disease may also develop when growths, called polyps, on the inner wall of the rectum develop and become cancerous.

Causes and risk factors for rectal cancer

The cause of rectal cancer is unknown, but the risk of developing the disease increases with age. From age 50, your risk increases. People with a family history of rectal cancer or certain hereditary cancer syndromes have a higher risk. Other known risk factors for rectal cancer include: • Diet • Smoking • Alcohol use • Sedentary lifestyle • Obesity • Diabetes

Signs and symptoms of rectal cancer

Rectal cancer may show no obvious symptoms in early stages. As the disease develops, symptoms may include changes in bowel movements, rectal bleeding and thin, ribbon-like stool. Other signs and symptoms include: • Fatigue • Weight loss • Blood in the stool • Diarrhea and/or constipation • Abdominal pain • Bloating • A feeling that you are unable to empty your bowels • If the cancer metastasizes, or spreads to other parts of the body, symptoms may vary depending on where in the body the cancer is located. Symptoms of metastatic rectal cancer may include: • Persistent cough • Fatigue • Bone pain • Shortness of breath • Loss of appetite • Jaundice • Swelling in the hands and feet • Changes in vision or speech

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stool, unexplained changes in your bowel habits, tiredness, abdominal pain or any other symptoms that may indicate rectal cancer. Since rectal cancer can develop with few signs early on, you should also speak with your doctor if you know of any pre-existing risk factors, or if you are concerned about getting it later in life.

Types of rectal cancer

Most rectal cancers—about 95 percent—are adenocarcinoma. These tumors typically start as a polyp, or a growth in the lining of the rectum. Polyps may be removed during a colonoscopy Other types of rectal cancer include: • Gastrointestinal stromal tumors • Carcinoid tumors • Lymphoma

Diagnosing rectal cancer

A variety of laboratory and imaging tests may be used to diagnose cancer of the rectum and determine the stage of the disease. Commonly used procedures and tools include: • Physical examination and medical history • Blood tests for anaemia • A biopsy to take a sample of tissue from your bowel wall • Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to see inside of your rectum • Imaging scans of your bowel such as a barium enema (a colon x-ray), CT or MRI scan • An ultrasound • A chest x-ray to see whether the cancer has spread to your lungs • A lymph node biopsy • These tests may also be used to monitor your response to treatment.

Rectal cancer treatments

Treatment for rectal cancer often depends on the stage of the disease and the extent to which it has developed. Treatment options include: • Surgery • Immunotherapy • Chemotherapy • Radiation therapy • Targeted therapy • Clinical trials

Natural treatment for rectal cancer

Read more

What follow-up is needed after treatment?

After treatment for rectal cancer, a blood test to measure amounts of CEA (a substance in the blood that may be increased when cancer is present) may be done to see if the cancer has come back. Routine CT scans, clinical examinations, and colonoscopy are also performed at intervals