Rectal Cancer - Causes, Symptoms, and How to reduce risks?

Key symptoms of Rectal Cancer, its Causes and How to reduce risks?

Rectal cancer is the development of cancerous cells in the rectum. The last section of the large intestine or colon, preceding the anus, is known as the rectum. If the cancer cells spread towards the colon (large intestine), it is collectively called colorectal cancer.

According to research, it is the third most common kind of cancer in the gut, after colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of what rectal cancer is, its causes, symptoms, and other essential details.

Read ahead to understand all about rectal cancer, along with its prevention measures.

What is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer is characterized by the growth of cancer cells within the inner lining of the rectum, which develops gradually over time. The onset of rectal cancer is marked by the formation of certain abnormal cells, called adenomas (polyps), in the inner lining of the rectum. It typically takes a polyp around 10 - 15 years to develop into a cancerous tumor.

Suppose the doctor identifies any risk of rectal cancer. In that case, he may conduct imaging tests like a CT (computed tomography) scan, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or a PET (positron emission tomography) scan.

What are the Causes of Rectal Cancer?

The exact cause of rectal cancer is still unknown, and researchers are still studying to understand the factors that contribute to its development. However, there are certain factors that can heighten the likelihood of developing rectal cancer. These are similar to the risk of colorectal cancer.

Rectal cancer causes include:

• Aging: Rectal cancer can occur at any age, but it is most likely to affect individuals older than 50. In fact, the average age of diagnosis, according to data, is 63.
• Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome: Chronic inflammatory bowel disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can heighten your susceptibility to developing rectal cancer.
• Medical History of Family: If your close family members, like father, mother, or siblings, have suffered from rectal cancer, then the chances of you developing rectal cancer will increase by 2 times.  
• Processed Meat: People who consume excess amounts of red meat or processed meat are at a heightened risk of developing rectal cancer.
• Inherited Colorectal Cancer Disease: Conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (fap) and lynch syndrome can increase the likelihood of developing rectal cancer.
• Obesity: People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop rectal cancer than people who maintain a healthy weight.
• Smoking: People who smoke or consume tobacco are at an increased risk of developing rectal cancer.
• Intake of Alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol can also increase the risk of rectal cancer.  
• Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing rectal cancer.
• Physical Inactivity: People who have a sedentary lifestyle are at an increased risk of developing rectal cancer.
• Radiotherapy: If you have received radiotherapy directed at the gut for the treatment of other cancers, then you are at a heightened risk of developing rectal cancer.  
• Race: According to a study, black people are more likely to develop rectal cancer than people of other races.

What are the Symptoms of Rectal Cancer?

Usually, rectal cancer shows little to no symptoms in the earlier phase. The symptoms are more vividly experienced in the later stages. Listed below are a few symptoms of rectal cancer:

• Fatigue
• Stomach ache
• Unusual weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Change in frequency and appearance of stool
• Dark red or maroon blood in stool
• Weakness
• Thin or narrow Stool
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

If these symptoms continue for more than a week, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Rectal Cancer?

There is more than one way to minimize the risk of rectal cancer. It is a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits. For rectal cancer risk reduction, you may do the following:  

• Do Physical Exercises: Research shows that regular physical exercise can significantly reduce the risk of rectal cancer. Beginners should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily, five times a week.
• Limit Alcohol Intake: It is best to avoid alcohol completely to reduce the risk of rectal cancer. However, if you still want to consume it occasionally, limit your intake to two standard drinks once a week.  
• Avoid Smoking: Try to quit smoking completely. You can take the help of nicotine gums to get rid of the habit of smoking gradually.
• Preserve a Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy body weight can lower the chances of developing rectal cancer. A Regular exercise routine and healthy eating habits can help you achieve a healthy weight.
• Opt for a Balanced Diet: Dietary fibre helps achieve healthy bowel movements and can reduce the risk of rectal cancer. Eat foods that are high in fibre, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Consuming dairy products can also reduce the risk of rectal cancer.  
• Avoid Red Meat: Meats cooked at high temperatures can form cancer-causing chemicals like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can increase the risk of rectal cancer. To lower the risk of rectal cancer, avoid processed meats, red meats, and meat cooked at high temperatures like barbecue and pan-fried meats.
   
• Other Protective Measures:
  
  
  • According to research, people who take Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for managing tissue inflammation and pain have a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, it should not be taken as a preventive medicine.
  • If women take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage the symptoms of menopause, they will be less likely to develop colorectal cancer. However, HRT has many side effects; hence, it is not recommended as a preventive measure for rectal cancer.

Early detection and effective treatment can save you from the potential life-threatening consequences of rectal cancer. Seek medical advice right away if you face constant irritable bowel symptoms. Thus, it is wise to have health insurance to safeguard your health and finances during critical times.

At Star Health, we offer comprehensive coverage for cancer treatment under our Star Health Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free, cashless treatment at over 14,000+ network hospitals across India.