UNDERSTANDING RECTUM CANCER
Rectum cancer is a form of colorectal cancer that affects the rectum, the final segment of the large intestine before the anus. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of rectum cancer is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. This guide provides an overview of rectum cancer, including its definition, common symptoms, causes, and risk factors.
DEFINING RECTUM CANCER
Rectum cancer, also referred to as rectal cancer, occurs when cells in the rectum begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. The rectum is responsible for storing feces before they are expelled from the body. According to the American Cancer Society, rectal cancer is a type of colorectal cancer, which also includes cancer of the colon (American Cancer Society, 2023). The disease is classified into different stages, from Stage 0 to Stage IV, based on the extent of the cancer’s spread. Early stages involve tumours localized in the rectum, while advanced stages may involve metastasis to other organs (National Cancer Institute, 2022).
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF RECTUM CANCER
Several symptoms may indicate the presence of rectum cancer. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for early intervention and treatment.
Rectal bleeding: This is a common symptom. This can appear as bright red blood in the stool or dark, tarry stools. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons advises that any blood in the stool should be evaluated to rule out rectal cancer or other conditions (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, 2023).
Abdominal pain: This is another symptom often associated with rectum cancer. This pain can range from mild cramping to severe discomfort. The Mayo Clinic notes that persistent abdominal pain should be investigated, especially if it is unexplained (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Changes in bowel habits: This can also signal rectum cancer. These changes might include persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or alterations in stool consistency. According to the National Cancer Institute, significant changes in bowel habits, particularly when combined with other symptoms, should be assessed by a healthcare professional (National Cancer Institute, 2022).
Unexplained weight loss and fatigue are additional symptoms that may accompany rectum cancer. These systemic symptoms often become more pronounced as the disease progresses.
CAUSES OF RECTUM CANCER
The development of rectum cancer is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic predispositions: It play a role in rectum cancer. Inherited conditions like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome increase the risk of developing rectal cancer. The National Cancer Institute highlights that individuals with these genetic disorders have a higher likelihood of colorectal cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2022).
Chronic inflammation: chronic inflammation from conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can also increase the risk of rectum cancer. The American Gastroenterological Association points out that long-term inflammation can cause changes in rectal cells, raising cancer risk (American Gastroenterological Association, 2023).
Dietary factors: It contributes to the development of rectum cancer. Diets high in red and processed meats and low in fiber are associated with an increased risk. The World Health Organization notes that these dietary habits can influence cancer risk by affecting bowel function and inflammation (World Health Organization, 2023).
IDENTIFYING RISK FACTORS
Several risk factors are associated with an increased likelihood of developing rectum cancer.
Age: This is a significant risk factor. The risk of rectum cancer increases with age, especially after 50. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings for individuals over this age to detect cancer early (American Cancer Society, 2023).
Family history: Family history of rectal cancer or other colorectal cancers also elevates risk. Genetic factors and shared environmental exposures contribute to this increased risk. The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable emphasizes the importance of family history in guiding screening recommendations (National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, 2023).
Diet and lifestyle: This are important risk factors. High consumption of red and processed meats and low fiber intake are linked to a higher risk of rectum cancer. Additionally, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase cancer risk. The American Institute for Cancer Research stresses the role of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle in reducing cancer risk (American Institute for Cancer Research, 2023).
Obesity: This is another risk factor. Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, is associated with an increased risk of rectum cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network notes that maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is crucial for cancer prevention (National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2023).
Physical inactivity: This is linked to a higher risk of rectum cancer. Regular exercise is associated with a lower risk of cancer. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities, to help reduce cancer risk (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
CONCLUSION.
Finally, understanding rectum cancer involves recognizing its symptoms, knowing its causes, and identifying risk factors. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits can indicate rectum cancer and should prompt medical evaluation. Genetic predispositions, chronic inflammation, and dietary factors contribute to the development of rectum cancer.
By identifying risk factors such as age, family history, diet, and lifestyle, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk and seek early detection. Regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and managing weight are essential for preventing rectum cancer and improving treatment outcomes.
REFERENCES:
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Rectal Cancer. Retrieved from American Cancer Society
- American Gastroenterological Association. (2023). Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer. Retrieved from American Gastroenterological Association
- American Institute for Cancer Research. (2023). Diet, Nutrition, and Physical Activity. Retrieved from American Institute for Cancer Research
- National Cancer Institute. (2022). Rectal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors. Retrieved from National Cancer Institute
- National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable. (2023). Family History and Colorectal Cancer Risk. Retrieved from National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). Guidelines for Rectal Cancer. Retrieved from National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Rectal Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic
- World Health Organization. (2023). Dietary Factors and Cancer Risk. Retrieved from World Health Organization
Written by Fawzi Rufai, Medically Reviewed by Sesan Kareem
