Rectal cancer is a type of colorectal cancer that develops specifically in the rectum, the final section of the large intestine. It is distinct from colon cancer in terms of anatomical location, blood supply, metastatic pattern, and treatment approaches. Rectal cancer often develops gradually, beginning as small, benign polyps that may become malignant over time.
Recognising the early symptoms of rectal cancer is crucial because early-stage disease can often be treated effectively before it spreads. However, many symptoms overlap with common digestive issues, which can delay diagnosis.
At Venkateshwar Hospitals, patients benefit from advanced diagnostic technologies, expert oncologists, and personalised treatment plans, ensuring early detection and comprehensive care for gastrointestinal cancers, including rectal cancer.
Understanding Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the rectum, the final section of the large intestine. It develops when cells in the rectal tissue grow uncontrollably, sometimes beginning as polyps. While often grouped with colon cancer under the term ‘colorectal cancer,’ rectal cancer is considered a distinct condition due to its unique characteristics.
In most cases, rectal cancer begins as polyps, small growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. While many polyps are harmless, certain types, called adenomatous polyps, can turn cancerous if left untreated.
Early detection through screening tests, such as colonoscopy, can identify and remove these polyps before they become malignant. Detecting rectal cancer early often involves a combination of screening and risk assessment, which significantly improves survival and allows for minimally invasive treatments.
Early Symptoms of Rectal Cancer
The early signs of rectal cancer can be subtle and are often mistaken for common digestive issues like haemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Persistent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.
Common Early Symptoms
- Blood in Stool: Bright red or dark maroon blood, often mixed with stool.
- Changes in Bowel Habits: Chronic constipation, diarrhoea, or narrow (“pencil-thin”) stools persisting for weeks.
- Persistent Abdominal or Rectal Pain: Pain or discomfort during bowel movements or in the lower abdomen.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss without dietary or lifestyle changes.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Often due to blood loss and anaemia.
- Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Emptying: Sensation of still needing to pass stool after a bowel movement.
Note: Rectal bleeding should never be ignored. While haemorrhoids or fissures may cause it, it can also indicate colorectal cancer that requires medical evaluation.
Advanced Symptoms to Watch For
- Bowel Obstruction: Severe abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting.
- Rectal Bleeding Leading to Anaemia: Persistent bleeding can cause fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Occurs when cancer spreads to nearby tissues or organs.
Recognising these symptoms early and consulting a doctor promptly can make a critical difference in treatment success.
Causes and Risk Factors of Rectal Cancer
Understanding the causes and risk factors of rectal cancer is crucial, as it helps identify individuals at higher risk and guides preventive measures and early detection strategies.
What Causes Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer primarily arises from DNA mutations in rectal cells that trigger uncontrolled growth. Over time, these cells accumulate, forming tumours that may invade nearby tissues or metastasise differently compared to colon cancer.
Most rectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps that gradually transform into malignant tumours. Early detection through screening is essential for prevention and improved outcomes.
Major Risk Factors
- Family History: Having a close relative with colorectal or rectal cancer.
- Age: Most common in individuals aged 50 and above, though cases in younger adults are rising.
- Diet: Low-fibre diets high in red or processed meats can increase risk.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Both contribute to DNA damage and tumour formation.
- Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity may slow digestion and promote unhealthy cell growth.
- Chronic Conditions: Diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis increase the risk for colorectal cancers generally, not rectal cancer exclusively.
Understanding these risk factors helps in making lifestyle changes that lower the likelihood of developing rectal cancer.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience persistent rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, consult a specialist promptly.
Regular screenings, such as colonoscopy and faecal occult blood tests, are recommended, especially for average-risk individuals over 50. Some guidelines suggest starting at 45 for specific populations, while high-risk individuals may need earlier screening.
At Venkateshwar Hospitals, early detection programmes and preventive health checks help identify rectal cancer at an early, treatable stage.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective rectal cancer treatment. Doctors at Venkateshwar Hospitals use advanced diagnostic tools to detect and stage the disease precisely.
Diagnostic Procedures
- Colonoscopy: Direct visualisation of the colon and rectum to detect polyps or tumours.
- Biopsy: Tissue samples are examined to confirm the presence of cancer.
- Imaging Tests: MRI, CT, or PET scans determine stage and spread.
Treatment Options
Depending on the stage and overall health of the patient, treatment may include:
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Chemotherapy, radiation, or both, often administered before surgery to shrink tumours.
- Surgery: Removal of cancerous tissue and nearby lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: To destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery.
- Radiation Therapy: To reduce tumour size and relieve symptoms.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cell growth.
- Immunotherapy: Emerging option for select cases, especially tumours with mismatch repair deficiency.
At Venkateshwar Hospitals, multidisciplinary teams of oncologists, gastroenterologists, and radiologists collaborate to create personalised, patient-centred treatment plans.
Preventive Measures for Rectal Cancer
While some risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be controlled, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of rectal cancer.
Key Preventive Steps
- Eat a Fibre-Rich Diet: Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Reduce Processed Meat and Alcohol: Limit red meat and avoid smoking or heavy drinking.
- Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight: Regular exercise supports bowel function and reduces obesity-related risks.
- Regular Screenings: Especially important for those with a family history or digestive disorders.
Making these changes can significantly lower the lifetime risk of developing rectal or colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
Being aware of rectal cancer symptoms and causes empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards early detection and prevention. Persistent rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained fatigue should never be ignored. Early consultation and screening can be life-saving. For expert diagnosis, personalised treatment, and comprehensive care, visit Venkateshwar Hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are the First Signs of Rectal Cancer?
Early signs include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss.
2. How Do Rectal Cancer Symptoms Differ from Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoid bleeding is typically bright red and painless, while rectal cancer may cause darker blood, mucus in stool, and persistent bowel changes.
2. What Causes Rectal Cancer in Most Patients?
DNA mutations, polyps, family history, and lifestyle factors such as poor diet and smoking mainly cause rectal cancer.
3. At What Age Does Rectal Cancer Usually Occur?
It commonly occurs after age 50, though cases in younger adults are increasing.
4. Is Rectal Bleeding Always a Sign of Cancer?
No, rectal bleeding can result from other conditions like haemorrhoids, but a doctor should evaluate persistent or unexplained bleeding.
5. Can Lifestyle Changes Reduce the Risk of Rectal Cancer?
Yes, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol and tobacco use can lower risk.
6. How Is Rectal Cancer Diagnosed?
Through colonoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans.
7. What Are the Treatment Options for Rectal Cancer?
Treatment may include neoadjuvant therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on stage and tumour characteristics.
8. What Is the Survival Rate for Rectal Cancer if Caught Early?
When detected in the early stages, rectal cancer has good survival rates, but postoperative mortality and complication risks differ from colon cancer and can affect short-term outcomes.
Medically Reviewed by — Dr. Siddharth Sahai ( Director – Medical Oncology)
