colonoscopy
Anal and rectal cancers occur in nearby areas of the body, and both have preventive steps and proven treatments.But they say they’re different types of cancer. Dr. Raman Kumarcolorectal and general surgeon at OSF HealthCare.
rectal cancer
Dr. Kumar says the rectum is the last part of the colon and is where stool is stored.
Signs of rectal cancer include bleeding, irregular bowel movements (such as changing the shape of your stool or not being able to defecate completely), weight loss, fatigue and pain in the rectal area.
Rectal cancer affects men and women about equally and occurs in “almost all age groups,” Dr. Kumar said. Smoking and eating lots of red meat and processed foods increase your risk.
anal cancer
Dr. Kumar says the anus is where stool comes out. He says the signs of anal cancer can be similar to those of rectal cancer. But anal cancer diagnosis often begins when a person believes they have hemorrhoids, or when the veins and blood vessels around the anus and lower rectum become swollen and inflamed from excessive pressure, he said. says.
“It turns out it’s not a hemorrhoid. It can be a mass or a lesion. It can bleed, especially when you’re wiping it with toilet paper or wet wipes,” says Dr. Kumar.
The incidence of anal cancer in the United States is “very low,” with about 8,000 cases a year, Dr. Kumar says. About two-thirds of cases are women, and it is more common in people over 50.
“The number one cause of anal cancer is HPV, or human papillomavirus,” says Dr. Kumar. “So this is considered a sexually transmitted disease.”
But you don’t have to be sexually active to get anal cancer, he says. In any case, a vaccine exists for HPV, the most common cancer-causing virus.
Prevention and treatment
Dr. Kumar says that symptoms aside, there are things you must do to prevent anal and rectal cancer. colonoscopy Schedule according to your healthcare provider’s advice. A colonoscopy is a test in which your health care provider uses a small camera attached to the end of a tube to examine your colon and the area around it. Dr. Kumar says colonoscopies are generally started at the age of 45. However, if you have a family history of cancer, you may be able to start testing sooner.
Other tips: Don’t smoke. Regular exercise. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Dr. Kumar says a good goal is to consume 30 grams of fiber per day.
If you have symptoms of anal or rectal cancer, contact your health care provider for testing.
Treatment for anal cancer usually involves chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Dr. Kumar said. He says the typical five-year survival rate when treated properly is about 80%.
“Surgery for anal cancer is only performed to remove the original tumor. [cancerous] The mass will go away, and the same will happen if the cancer comes back,” Dr. Kumar explains.
When it comes to rectal cancer, Dr. Kumar says about 40% of people can also be treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Some people need surgery to remove the cancer. But Dr. Kumar said medicine has advanced to the point where it can generally avoid colostomies, or when parts of the colon are diverted out of the skin to bypass the damaged part of the colon. This is temporary and usually comes with a bag that collects waste from the body through defecation.
learn more
Read more about prevention and treatment rectum and anal Get cancer information on the OSF HealthCare website.