January 13, 2025

The rectum, the final few inches of the large intestine where waste accumulates before being evacuated out the anus, is where rectal cancer forms. This type of cancer belongs to a larger group called colorectal cancers, which also include rectal and colon cancers. Since early detection and treatment greatly improve results, it is imperative to understand rectal cancer. In this blog we will understand the causes, signs, and symptoms of rectal cancer, along with getting to know the answers to some commonly asked questions about rectal cancer.

Causes of Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer could be caused due to multiple factors as it is influenced by a mixture of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The following are some of the key rectal cancer causes that can contribute to its early onset. 

Age 

One of greatest rectal cancer causes and risk factors is the age of a person. Although this disease can occur at any age, rectal cancer symptoms are more common in those over 50. This is mainly because of changes that occur in the DNA that causes genetic mutations over time in this advanced age. This increases the chances of developing cancer.

Family History 

Another one of the significant rectal cancer causes is having a family history of the illness. If a close relative or your father, mother or sibling has had rectal cancer then the chances that you might have it too increases. This is because of shared genetic factors or environmental exposures. 

Diet and Lifestyle 

Diet plays another major role in determining whether you will develop the disease or not. Other lifestyle choices can also be among the rectal cancer causes like staying physically inactive, being obese, smoking, alcohol abuse, etc. These factors may promote inflammation or directly damage the lining of the rectum, leading to cancerous changes.

Chronic Conditions 

Some long-term health problems can raise the risk of rectal cancer. Diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cause ongoing swelling in the digestive system. Over time, this can lead to changes in cells that may turn into cancer. Other health issues, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, are also connected to a higher chance of getting colorectal cancer.

Genetic Mutations 

Whether inherited or acquired, genetic abnormalities play a major role in the development of rectal cancer. Tumor formation can result from abnormal cell growth and division caused by mutations in genes such as APC, KRAS, and TP53. Vigilant screening is necessary since inherited mutations linked to diseases like Lynch syndrome or FAP raise the risk of rectal cancer.

 Symptoms of Rectal Cancer 

Depending on the tumor’s location and stage, rectal cancer symptoms can change. Diagnosis can occasionally be delayed because many of these symptoms can also be brought on by other, less serious illnesses. For early detection and treatment, it is crucial to know which signs to look out for.

Bleeding in the Rectal Area: One of the most prevalent and obvious rectal cancer symptoms is rectal bleeding. This could show up as bright red blood in the toilet bowl, stool, or toilet paper. Even while less dangerous disorders like hemorrhoids are frequently the source of rectal bleeding, any persistent or inexplicable bleeding should always be evaluated by a doctor.H3 

Changes in Bowel Habits: Other rectal cancer symptoms include changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a sense of incomplete evacuation. Additionally, if a tumor is partially obstructing the rectum, stools may vary in size or shape, especially becoming narrow or ribbon-like.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss may indicate rectal cancer, especially if it is accompanied by other rectal cancer symptoms. Tumors can modify the body’s metabolism and cause weight loss without dietary or exercise modifications because cancer cells use a lot of energy. 

Abdominal Discomfort: Abdominal discomfort, including cramping, pain, or bloating, is another one of the rectal cancer symptoms. While occasional abdominal pain is common and often harmless, persistent or worsening discomfort that does not resolve warrants medical attention.

FAQs

1. What are the early symptoms of rectal cancer?

Changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and rectal bleeding are common early signs of rectal cancer. These symptoms, however, may be mild or confused with those of other illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hemorrhoids.  

2. How is rectal cancer diagnosed?

Several techniques are used to diagnose rectal cancer. Diagnostic tests usually follow a physical examination and medical history, including:

Colonoscopy: Enables medical professionals to take tissue samples (biopsies) and check the colon and rectum for anomalies.

Imaging tests: PET, MRI, or CT scans can be used to assess the cancer’s extent.

Blood tests: Check for tumor indicators such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or anemia. 

3. Can rectal cancer be prevented?

Rectal cancer cannot be completely prevented, but there are a number of things you may do to lower your risk:

Screening: Precancerous polyps can be found and removed using routine screening procedures like colonoscopies.

Changes in diet and lifestyle: Risk can be reduced by eating a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, keeping a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, abstaining from tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Taking care of chronic illnesses: Taking good care of diabetes and IBD can lower your risk of developing cancer.

Genetic counseling: Regular tests and genetic counseling are advised if there is a family history of rectal cancer.

Although rectal cancer is a dangerous illness, many patients now have better outcomes thanks to improvements in early detection and treatment brought about by medical science advancements. In order to manage and lower the risk of this condition, it can be very helpful to be aware of its origins and symptoms and to prioritize routine testing.