A rectal cancer diagnosis for you or a loved one may be overwhelming. You’ll likely have questions, including details about treatment start date, length and your long-term prognosis. Perhaps you’re also wondering where you should be treated for rectal cancer.
The rectal cancer team at the OSUCCC – James has extensive training and education and provides the latest advanced methods for treatment. We also deliver compassionate, unmatched personalized cancer care.
The colorectal cancer surgical team at the OSUCCC – James has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “high performing” (the highest possible rank) in its annual “Best Hospitals” rankings. This specialized team works together to develop individualized treatment plans that specifically target your rectal cancer and what might work best for you.
Whether you’re worried about having rectal cancer, are at a high risk of developing it or have recently been diagnosed, we can help.
What is rectal cancer?
Rectal cancer is cancer that develops in the rectum, which is the last several inches of your large intestine between the colon and anus. Cancer that develops in the rectum (rectal cancer) and cancer that develops in the colon (colon cancer) are often mentioned together as colorectal cancer but are diagnosed based on the location of the cancer.
While there are some similarities between colon cancer and rectal cancer, each cancer is treated differently, often requiring the skilled expertise of different medical specialty teams such as surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Advances in modern treatment have improved survival rates for rectal cancer and early detection and diagnosis often lead to a cure.
What causes rectal cancer?
Rectal cancer develops when cells of the rectum change and become abnormal. Although the exact cause of these changes is not always known, there are a variety of genetic and environmental factors that can contribute and increase the risk of developing rectal cancer.
Some of these factors cannot be controlled, such as your family history and your age.
- People with a family history of colorectal cancer have an increased risk of developing rectal cancer. Some families have a known inherited condition that drastically increases the risk of getting cancer and getting it at a younger age.
- Those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of rectal cancer.
- Age can also be a factor. As you get older, the risk of developing rectal cancer increases. The average age of diagnosis is 63 years.
Note that some risk factors may be influenced by things we do and the following factors can influence it:
- Excessive alcohol consumption: People who consume three or more alcoholic beverages per day are at a higher risk of developing rectal cancer.
- Smoking cigarettes: Those who smoke tobacco are more likely to develop rectal cancer than nonsmokers.
- Obesity: People who are categorized as obese have a higher likelihood of developing rectal cancer.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A contributing factor to rectal cancer is lack of physical activity.
How is rectal cancer different from colon cancer?
Often you may hear colon and rectal cancer lumped together using the term “colorectal cancer.” However, they are different.
As mentioned, rectal cancer develops in the last few inches of the large intestine, where colon cancer begins within the colon (or the largest portion of the large intestine) itself. Treatment recommendations may vary depending on if the cancer is in the colon or the rectum. Because both the colon and rectum are part of the large intestine, screening recommendations for colon cancer and rectal cancer are the same.
What is a polyp?
A polyp is a growth, like a lump or a bump, that develops inside the lining of the colon or rectum. While most colorectal polyps don’t become cancerous, they can become cancerous over time if left untreated. Polyps are common in adults aged 45 or older and regular screening is recommended to remove them early if possible. When a polyp is removed completely, that polyp can’t turn into cancer.
How common is rectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide for both men and women. In 2023, there were approximately 45,000 new diagnoses of rectal cancer in the United States.
What are the different types of rectal cancer?
By far, the most frequently diagnosed type of rectal cancer is called adenocarcinoma. Other types of rectal cancer make up less than 3% of all rectal tumors. These include:
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) – This type of tumor begins in the digestive system, most often found in the stomach or small intestine.
- Neuroendocrine tumor – These tumors begin in cells of the nervous and endocrine system and are mostly found in the intestine.
- Lymphoma – Cancers that usually start in the immune system but sometimes can start in other organs, such as the rectum.
Why choose the OSUCCC – James for your rectal cancer care
Every person’s rectal cancer is different. At the OSUCCC – James, highly specialized teams review your case individually and will develop the best treatment plan for you. Our teams use the most up-to-date and innovative treatments. Some new approaches can cure rectal cancer without surgery and for those who need surgery, we offer minimally invasive options for less pain and quicker return to daily activities.
Minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery for rectal cancer care
Our specially trained colorectal surgeons use minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques to treat rectal cancer. This allows the surgery to be done with only a few small incisions (less than one inch) and produces excellent cancer results with less pain, a shorter stay in the hospital and quicker overall recovery.
Ohio’s only dedicated Colorectal Cancer Center
The Colorectal Cancer Center at the OSUCCC – James is the only dedicated colorectal cancer center in Ohio. Our team of colorectal surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists and other specialists use a multidisciplinary approach to treat your cancer in a timely and coordinated way.
Clinical trials for rectal cancer
With access to the most advanced clinical trials in the country, the OSUCCC – James will make additional treatment and care options available to you. We offer phase I, phase II and phase III clinical trials for novel rectal cancer treatments.
If you have received a rectal cancer diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion or just want to speak to a rectal cancer specialist, we are here to help you. Call the James Line to schedule an appointment at 800-293-5066.
Related Resources
Rectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Research
Colorectal Cancer Rates on the Rise Among Younger Patients