Rectal Cancer in Chandler & Scottsdale, AZ

Each year in the United States, more than 44,000 patients are diagnosed with rectal cancer. When detected early through a routine colonoscopy screening, it is treatable. At ACE Clinic, we can partner with you to recommend your best treatment options.

What is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer occurs when cancerous cells grow in the rectum, or the part of the digestive tract between the colon and the anus. It can be screened through colonoscopy which checks for small growths called polyps. Polyps can become cancerous therefore it’s important to be screened regularly.

What are the Symptoms of Rectal Cancer?

In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms of rectal cancer. However, some people experience symptoms like:

• Bleeding or blood in your stool
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Narrow stool
• Abdominal pain
• Sudden weight loss or change in bowel habits

What Causes Rectal Cancer?

The exact cause of rectal cancer is unknown. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the chance of developing this disease. These risk factors include

• Age: 90 percent of patients with colorectal cancer are diagnosed at 50 and older, therefore it is important to undergo screening colonoscopy starting at 45. 
• Presence of Polyps: most polyps are benign, but some can progress to become cancerous, removal of polyps during colonoscopy reduces this risk. 
• Family history of colon cancer: First-degree relatives of patients with colon or rectal cancer are more likely to develop this disease. 
• Genetics: Certain genetic conditions such as HNPCC and FAP significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer during a patient’s lifetime. 
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Both Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease cause chronic inflammation of the colon and rectum that can increase the risk of developing cancer.

What Are My Treatment Options for Rectal Cancer?

After confirming the diagnosis through a biopsy of the tumor, your doctor will perform additional tests to determine the stage of the disease. Your surgeon will discuss all available treatment options with you based on the stage of the disease. 

Rectal Cancer Outlook and Steps to Take

Rectal cancer is treatable when it’s caught early. For this reason, it’s important to undergo regular colonoscopy screenings when you turn 45 (or earlier, depending on your risk factors). Additionally, you can take steps to prevent rectal cancer by leading a healthy and active lifestyle, eating a well-balanced diet high in fiber, and stopping smoking as soon as possible. Our team of colorectal experts is always here to answer your questions and help you achieve a healthy outlook despite a rectal cancer diagnosis.

Schedule an Appointment

Rectal cancer can seem scary, but your first step is partnering with a knowledgeable physician. To meet with our team and learn more about your options, we invite you to contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.