Rectal cancer, a malignant tumor that develops in the terminal part of the digestive system, specifically in the rectal region, is identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most common forms of cancer globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
What is Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer typically originates from the cells lining the inner wall of the rectum and may progressively extend deeper into the rectal layers or surrounding tissues over time. Sharing similarities with colon cancer, both are collectively termed colorectal cancer. Early symptoms of rectal cancer can include altered bowel habits, bloody stools, black stools, and unexplained weight loss.
Risk Factors for Rectal Cancer:
- Age advancement, particularly in individuals over 50 years of age;
- Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps;
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis;
- High-fat diet and low fiber intake;
- Obesity and lack of physical activity;
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Dietary Defense Against Rectal Cancer:
- High-fiber foods such as whole grains (e.g., oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread), legumes (e.g., black beans, lentils, peas), and fruits and vegetables (e.g., apples, pears, carrots, beets).
- Antioxidant-rich foods including berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds), and leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale, broccoli).
- Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, trout), flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and walnuts.
- Natural phytochemicals found in tea (e.g., catechins in green and oolong tea), curcumin in turmeric, and sulfur compounds in garlic.
- Vitamin and mineral-rich foods such as vitamin D (in UV-irradiated mushrooms, fortified milk, and fish), calcium (in leafy greens, dairy products, and fortified foods), and magnesium (in pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach).
- Reducing intake of processed meats like sausages, ham, bacon, and opting for lean cuts while limiting red meat consumption.
- Mindful dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing plant-based foods, whole grains, healthy fats like olive oil, and moderate amounts of fish and poultry.
It is crucial to note that diet is one of the several factors impacting the risk of rectal cancer. While these foods may help lower the risk, they should be integrated into an overall healthy lifestyle. Regular medical check-ups and screenings play a key role in early detection and treatment of rectal cancer. Professional medical advice should be sought before making significant dietary changes.
Preventing Rectal Cancer:
- Although not all risk factors can be entirely avoided, preventive actions can substantially decrease the likelihood of developing rectal cancer:
- Regular screening: Colorectal cancer screening can detect cancer or precancerous changes before symptoms appear. Colonoscopies or fecal occult blood tests might be recommended.
- Healthy eating: A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes while limiting processed and red meats is beneficial.
- Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise is essential.
- Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake are critical steps.
- Regular moderate physical activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling are recommended.
Treatment of Rectal Cancer:
The treatment approach for rectal cancer depends on various factors such as cancer stage, the patient’s overall health, and personal choices. Common treatments include:
- Surgery: The most common method for removing rectal cancer, ranging from local excision to more extensive resections, possibly requiring stoma creation.
- Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells, often applied post-surgery to eradicate residual cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells, potentially administered before or after surgery to reduce tumor size or recurrence risk.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: Drugs targeting specific cancer cell attributes or enhancing the body’s immune response against cancer cells.
- Multimodal therapy: Often, a combination of the above methods is used to achieve optimal results.
Long-term management for rectal cancer patients also includes psychosocial support and possible lifestyle adjustments. Everyone’s experience with cancer is unique, underscoring the importance of personalized care plans.
Patients may face anxiety and fear when dealing with rectal cancer. Families and healthcare providers should offer ample care and support to help patients build confidence in overcoming the disease. Additionally, patients should maintain a positive outlook, cooperate with medical treatments, and strive to improve their quality of life.