Rectal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells (cancer cells) form in the tissues of the rectum.
The rectum is part of the body's
digestive system. The digestive system removes and processes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water) from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first six feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel or
colon. The last six inches are the rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends at the anus (the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body).
Risk Factors for Rectal Cancer
People who are 50 years of age or older have a greater risk of developing rectal cancer than younger people. Other possible risk factors for this condition include the following:
- A family history of cancer of the colon or rectum
- A personal history of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium, or breast
- A history of polyps in the colon
- A history of ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lining of the large intestine) or Crohn's disease
- Certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (also known as HNPCC or Lynch syndrome).
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