Rectal Cancer

What causes rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer is caused by abnormal cells in the rectum that grow rapidly. While we don’t know all the causes of rectal cancer, certain factors put you more at risk—from medical conditions to family history.

If you have any of the following risk factors, talk with your doctor about the steps to care for yourself, including a colorectal cancer screening.

• Age: Generally, your risk of rectal cancer gets higher as you get older. However, cases in adults under 50 have increased in recent years.
• Gender: Men have a slightly higher risk of rectal cancer than women.
• Race and ethnicity: Rectal cancer rates are highest in African Americans. Other groups with a higher risk include American Indians, Alaska Natives and Ashkenazi Jews.
• Family health history: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, your risk of rectal cancer is higher. Some inherited genetic syndromes also increase your risk, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
• Certain health conditions: If you’ve been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you’re more at risk for rectal cancer.
• Smoking: As with many types of cancer, smoking and tobacco use are linked to a higher risk of developing rectal cancer.
• Diet: A diet high in fat, red or processed meats and excessive alcohol use can increase your risk of rectal cancer.

Rectal cancer diagnosis

Rectal cancer may be found during routine rectal examination or as a result of testing when you’re experiencing unusual or uncomfortable digestive symptoms. If you have signs of rectal cancer, your care team has many tools and technologies to find the source of your symptoms.

With rectal cancer, early diagnosis is key. When this type of cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, your care team may be able to surgically remove all the cancer without the need for other treatments.

Rectal cancer treatment

Today, you have many options for your rectal cancer treatment. A team of specialists will work together to guide your care based on factors like your medical history, rectal cancer stage and personal preferences. Usually, the earlier you catch rectum cancer, the better options you have for treatment.

One of the most common treatments for rectal cancer is surgery to remove all the cancer or as much of it as possible. Depending on your rectal cancer stage, other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy.

Frequently asked questions