Rectal cancer occurs when the abnormal cells associated with cancer, gather in the tissues of the rectum. The rectum is part of the digestive tract and the last 6 inches of the large intestine.
Symptoms of Cancer of the Rectum
The early stages may not necessarily show symptoms. Signs that there may be something wrong include:
Changes in bowel habit or diarrhoea/constipation which last for more than 10 days
Stools which contain blood
Pain and/or tenderness in the lower abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
The feeling of a blockage in the intestine or persistent urge to go to the toilet
Pain during bowel movements
Rectal discharge of blood, pus or mucus
Pain on sitting
A feeling that the bowel is not completely empty Causes of Cancer of the Rectum
Although it is not known exactly what causes rectal cancer, and number of risk factors have been identified which are thought to contribute to its development. These include:
Being over 50 years of age
Familial history of colon or rectal cancer
Excessive alcohol consumption
Not taking regular exercise
A diet high in fat and low in fibre
Sufferers of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis are more susceptible as are those with cancers of the breast, ovaries or uterus. Treatment for Cancer of the Rectum
Orthodox treatment for any kind of cancer, has the best chance of success when started early. The more advanced the cancer, the greater risk of it spreading to other parts of the body. A combination of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy may be used to combat the disease, but will depend upon the severity of the case.
Dr. A. Bose © Allcures.com September 2011