Colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells develop in the rectum. Symptoms of rectal cancer include diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Colorectal cancer is treatable, especially if caught early, such as by a colonoscopy.
What is rectal cancer?
Rectal cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the rectum, which is part of your colon. The rectum is the compartment between the large intestine and the anus.
Who does rectal cancer affect?
Colorectal cancer affects both men and women, but men are less likely to develop the disease. In most cases, people diagnosed with this disease are over 50 years old. However, teenagers and young adults are more likely to develop rectal cancer.
How common is rectal cancer?
About 5% of people develop rectal cancer at some point in their lives. About 11% of these people are under the age of 50.
What is the first stage of rectal cancer?
In stage I, rectal cancer has grown in the deeper layers of the rectal wall but has not spread to nearby areas. People with stage I rectal cancer may not have any warning signs. This is why regular colonoscopy is so important.
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