Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Rectal Cancer ?
Rectal cancer affects the rectum, the last part of the large intestine where stool is stored before leaving the body. It develops when cells in the rectal lining begin to grow and divide abnormally, forming a tumor.
Rectal cancer is most often diagnosed in adults over age 50, though it can occur earlier, especially in people with a family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions. Because symptoms can resemble common digestive concerns, rectal cancer is often noticed only after ongoing changes in bowel habits or rectal bleeding.
Whether you’re gathering information for yourself or supporting someone you care about, LifeBridge Health’s cancer specialists can help you understand what this diagnosis may involve and guide next steps with care.
Rectal Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of rectal cancer can vary based on the tumor’s size and location.
Common signs include:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Changes in bowel habits
- Ongoing diarrhea or constipation
- A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Abdominal or pelvic discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
How Rectal Cancer is Diagnosed
Rectal cancer may be found through routine colorectal screening or after symptoms raise concern. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of exams, imaging and tissue testing to confirm the cancer and understand how advanced it is.
Digital Rectal Exam
Your provider gently examines the rectum using a gloved finger. They feel for lumps, tenderness or other changes and identify areas that may need further testing.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy allows your provider to examine the rectum and colon using a flexible scope. During the procedure, suspicious areas can be biopsied.
Biopsy
A small tissue sample is taken and examined under a microscope. This is the key step in confirming rectal cancer and identifying the tumor type.
Imaging Tests
MRI, CT or endoscopic ultrasound help show how deeply the tumor has grown and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues.
Blood Tests
Bloodwork may show signs linked to rectal cancer, such as anemia or changes in tumor markers. While they cannot diagnose rectal cancer on their own, they can help guide treatment.
Rectal Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment decisions depend on the stage of the cancer, where it is located and your overall health. At LifeBridge Health, your care plan is reviewed in a dedicated multidisciplinary clinic and tumor board, where specialists in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology and pathology work together to determine the most effective approach. You can meet with this entire team in a single visit, making it easier to understand your options, ask questions and move forward with a clear, unified plan.
Surgery
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, surgery may involve removing only the tumor, part of the rectum or, less often, the rectum and anus. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed if needed.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to reduce tumor size, after surgery to lower the risk of recurrence or in combination with other treatments to ease symptoms.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may support surgical and radiation treatments.
Immunotherapy
Some rectal cancers respond to immunotherapy, which uses medication to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific parts of cancer cells that help them grow. This approach helps limit damage to healthy tissue.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.