Rectal Cancer

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer is a malignancy originating in the rectum, the final 12-15 cm of the large intestine, often as adenocarcinoma (95%) from glandular cells. It shares traits with colon cancer but has unique staging/treatment due to pelvic location. Stages 0-IV based on invasion/metastasis. In 2025, ~45,000 US cases, part of colorectal cancers, with declining rates from screening but rising in under-50s.

Symptoms

Symptoms include rectal bleeding (bright red blood), changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools), abdominal/rectal pain, tenesmus (incomplete evacuation feeling), mucus discharge, fatigue/anemia, weight loss, and bowel obstruction in advanced cases. Symptoms mimic hemorrhoids/IBD, delaying diagnosis.

Causes

Genetic mutations (APC, KRAS) drive polyp-to-cancer progression. Risks include age (>50), family history, syndromes (Lynch, FAP), IBD, diet (high red meat/low fiber), obesity, smoking, alcohol, and sedentary lifestyle. In 2025, microbiome alterations contribute.

Diagnosis

Screening (colonoscopy, FIT) detects early. Diagnosis involves digital rectal exam, colonoscopy/biopsy, CT/MRI for staging, and CEA monitoring. Molecular testing (MSI, KRAS) guides therapy. In 2025, AI colonoscopy enhances detection.

Treatment

Localized uses neoadjuvant chemoradiation, then surgery (LAR, APR). Advanced adds chemotherapy (FOLFOX), targeted (bevacizumab), immunotherapy (for MSI-high). In 2025, organoid models personalize treatment.

Future Outlook

In 2025, 5-year survival 67%, 90% localized. Advances like immunotherapy raise metastatic survival to 20%. By 2030, vaccines/AI could achieve 80% survival.

Sources

The information for rectal cancer is sourced from NCI’s “Rectal Cancer Treatment” for overview; Mayo Clinic’s “Rectal cancer – Symptoms and causes” for symptoms; PMC’s “Rectal Cancer: Current Trends and Future Perspectives” for updates; Healthline’s “Rectal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment” for diagnosis; Cleveland Clinic’s “Rectal Cancer” for treatment.