What causes rectal cancer?

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 22, 2024
00:00
00:00

The occurrence of rectal cancer is a process involving multiple factors and multiple steps, and it is the result of the interaction between environmental factors and genetic factors of the body. To date, its causes are not completely understood, but there are some factors that are considered high-risk. First, dietary factors are generally believed to be high in animal protein, high fat, and low fiber, which are significant factors in the high incidence of rectal cancer. Second, lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting, smoking, drinking, being overweight, and obesity may increase the incidence of rectal cancer. Third, having a history of medical surgeries. Fourth, environmental factors, such as asbestos workers. Fifth, genetic factors.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
56sec home-news-image

Difference between hemorrhoids bleeding and rectal cancer bleeding

The difference between bleeding from hemorrhoids and rectal cancer is distinct. For hemorrhoids, bleeding is mostly painless and intermittent, primarily manifesting as bright red blood either dripping or spraying into the toilet bowl. Patients may even experience significant blood loss, potentially leading to shock. On the other hand, bleeding from rectal cancer usually involves blood mixed with stool and generally does not involve large volumes. Most patients present with dark-edged stool. Anemia is often detected during routine blood tests, which leads to further investigation with a colonoscopy that may reveal rectal cancer. Therefore, the bleeding characteristics of the two conditions are different. In cases where rectal cancer is suspected, proactive endoscopic examinations are recommended to confirm the diagnosis through tissue pathology, followed by aggressive surgical treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
47sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of rectal cancer?

Symptoms of rectal cancer include changes in bowel habits, such as a feeling of heaviness around the anus, a constant need to defecate, or diarrhea. Some patients may experience constipation, or alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Another common symptom is a change in the shape of the stool, with the stool becoming narrower. Additionally, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding are also common symptoms. Some patients with rectal cancer may exhibit clinical signs of intestinal obstruction, which includes constipation, inability to pass stool or gas, which means no flatulence. This is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Other common symptoms include significant abdominal pain and bloating.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
30sec home-news-image

Is rectal cancer hereditary?

This answer is also possible, as one of the causes of any cancer includes the possibility of genetics. However, this possibility is generally small and not everyone is likely to have it. It also depends on the incidence of disease within the entire family. If one is in a high-risk category due to certain genetic factors, then it is crucial to have regular and thorough follow-up checks. Some people might even try treatments specifically targeting genetically inherited colorectal cancer.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
43sec home-news-image

Can a colonoscopy detect colon and rectal cancer?

Colonoscopy can detect colon and rectal cancers. By conducting a colonoscopy, it can be determined whether a space-occupying lesion is in the colon or the rectum. In the workplace, it can also confirm the distance from the anus in centimeters, to guide the next steps of surgical treatment. If a colon or rectal tumor is found during colonoscopy, a pathological biopsy may be needed. Combined with the pathological biopsy, a diagnosis can be made whether the patient has colon cancer or rectal cancer. At the same time, colonoscopy can also detect other diseases, such as colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease of the colon, and so on.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
59sec home-news-image

What are the early symptoms of rectal cancer in women?

The early symptoms of female rectal cancer are primarily localized to the rectum. Most patients exhibit symptoms such as bloody stools, recurrent constipation, or alternating occurrences of diarrhea and constipation. Some patients may experience a change in stool characteristics, an increase in the frequency of daily bowel movements, and narrower stools. Additionally, some early-stage patients may exhibit symptoms similar to bacterial dysentery, such as the discharge of mucus and bloody pus in stools, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement. Some female rectal cancer patients may mistake bloody stools for hemorrhoids and consequently avoid seeking medical attention. Early symptoms are not distinctive, and many patients may overlook them, leading to a delay in the early detection of rectal cancer.