The rectum is the lower portion of the large intestine where the waste materials are eliminated through the anus. Rectal cancer occurs when cancer forms in the last several inches of the large intestine. Approximately 150,000 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year and out of those, about 40,000 are rectal cancer cases.
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of rectal cancer and it affects the mucosal layer of the rectum. The rectal wall is comprised of several different layers and just like colon cancer, the prognosis and treatment options depend primarily on how deep the cancer has penetrated into the wall of the colon/rectum. The cancer can infect lymph nodes and other surrounding tissues and it can also spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system.
Risk Factors
Just like with any other type of cancer, the cause of rectal cancer is unknown; however there are several risk factors that have been associated with this form of cancer. The risk factors include but are not limited to:
• Age
• Smoking
• Family history of colon/rectal cancer
• High fat diet or a diet mostly from animal sources
• Family history or personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer Continue reading ‘Learning More About Rectal Cancer’ »