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Medications
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Causes of Rectal CancerThe exact causes of rectal cancer have not yet been identified. However, scientists have determined that certain factors increase the chances of developing the disease. These risk factors are not causes of rectal cancer; not everyone with risk factors will get the disease. Risk factors for rectal cancer include being 50 years of age or older, having a family history of colon or rectal cancer, and a personal history of polyps in the colon or rectum. Changes in certain genes also increase the risk of developing rectal cancer, but they account for only a small percentage of cases.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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