Although similar to colon cancer, the treatment and symptoms of rectal cancer are slightly different. Having a clear understanding of this will help make the diagnosis easier.
Key Symptoms
These symptoms, which are often mistaken for regular piles, should be taken seriously:
Bleeding from the anus: Dark red or black blood in the stool.
Changes in bowel habits: Constant diarrhea or constipation. Change in the shape of the stool (becoming stringy).
Incomplete defecation: Feeling the need to go again after passing stool (tenesmus).
Abdominal pain: Feeling pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen that does not go away.
Fatigue and weight loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss and severe anemia (anemia).
Causes
Cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of cells. Factors that lead to this are:
Age: The risk is higher in people over 50 years of age.
Heredity: If someone in the family has colon/rectum cancer, you should be careful.
Diet: Eating too much red meat, processed meat (sausages, ham) and a diet low in fiber increase the risk.
Lifestyle: Lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and alcohol are the culprits.
Bowel diseases: Long-term diseases such as ulcerative colitis can cause cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment
If you see symptoms, examining the intestines through colonoscopy is the best way. If it is in the early stages, it can be removed through surgery. Radiation and chemotherapy are also given depending on the stage of the disease.
What can be done to prevent it?
Eat a fiber-rich diet that includes fruits and vegetables every day.
Ensure physical activity at least five days a week.
Reduce your intake of red meat.
Get regular health checkups.