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Colorectal Cancer |
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Rectal Cancer
 Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Signs and Symptoms Rectal cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissue of the rectum. The rectum is the last part of the large intestine and leads to the anus, which is the opening to the outside of the body. Body waste is stored in the rectum until it is eliminated from the body through the anus.
Although rectal cancer is a life-threatening disease, it is a highly curable form of cancer if found early. Therefore, regular check-ups and screenings are very important.
Although the exact cause of rectal cancer is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified that may increase a person's chance of developing the disease. These include:
- Age: The majority of rectal cancers are diagnosed in people aged 50 or older, although the disease affects all ages.
- Bowel disease: A history of colorectal cancer, intestinal polyps, and diseases such as chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease increase a person's chance of developing rectal cancer.
- Diet and exercise: A diet high in fat, particularly from animal sources, and an inactive, sedentary lifestyle can increase a person's chance of developing rectal cancer.
- Ethnic background and race: Jews of Eastern European descent called, Ashkenazi Jews have a higher rate of rectal cancer. African-Americans and Hispanics have a higher death rate caused by rectal cancer, which may be caused by insufficient screenings, poor diet and lack of exercise.
- Family history/genetic factors: Specific genes have been identified that significantly increase a person's chance of having rectal cancer. People with a strong family history of colorectal cancer, as defined by cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative younger than 60 or two first-degree relatives of any age, are also at increased risk for developing rectal cancer.
- Smoking and alcohol: Research suggests that smokers and heavy drinkers have an increased chance of developing rectal cancer.
Common signs and symptoms of rectal cancer include:
- A change in bowel habits
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Blood, either bright red or very dark in the stool
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- General abdominal discomfort such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps
- Weight loss with no known reason
- Constant tiredness
- Vomiting
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated July 31, 2007
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