What is rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer is caused by the formation of cancer cells in the rectum (the last six inches of the large intestine), says a well-known doctor of rectal cancer treatment in Kolkata.

Who are affected by rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer affects both men and women, with men having a slightly higher risk of developing the disease. 

The majority of those diagnosed with the condition is above the age of 50. However, rectal cancer can develop in teenagers and young adults as well.

 

rectal cancer treatment

 

What is the prevalence of rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer affects about 5% of the population at some point in their lives. Approximately 11% of those persons will be under the age of 50.

What are the symptoms of rectal cancer?

Rectal cancers frequently do not create any symptoms. Certain warning indicators, however, may be noticed by certain people, says the best rectal cancer doctor in Kolkata.

Symptoms of rectal cancer may include:

• Rectal bruising

• Blood in your feces

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• An abrupt shift in bowel habits

• Stool is narrow

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Abdominal discomfort

• Unusual weight loss

What is the most common reason for rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer's specific cause is unknown. However, some risk factors raise your chances of getting the condition, such as:

Age

Rectal cancer, like most cancers, increases with age. For both men and women, the average age of diagnosis is 63.

Gender

Men are somewhat more likely than women to have rectal cancer, says the doctor of rectal cancer treatment in Kolkata.

Family history

If a family member has been diagnosed with rectal cancer, your chances of developing it gets nearly double.

Certain diseases and conditions

Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can increase your risk of developing rectal cancer.

Smoking

According to recent studies, those who smoke are more likely to develop rectal cancer than those who do not.

Consuming processed meat

People who consume a lot of red meat and processed meat are more likely to get rectal cancer.

Obesity

Persons who are obese are more prone to develop rectal cancer than people who are at a healthy weight.

Can rectal cancer be cured?

Rectal cancer is curable, especially if caught early using screening tools such as colonoscopy.

Screenings should begin around the age of 45. People who are at a higher risk of developing rectal cancer should get more frequent screenings. 

Rectal cancer does not "recur" in the majority of persons and gets cured completely if diagnosed and treated early. However, in approximately 35% to 40% of persons who have surgery with or without chemotherapy, the disease may return after 3 to 5 years of treatment, says the best rectal cancer doctor in Kolkata.