Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer typically is a slow-growing cancer that forms on the inner lining of your rectum. Your rectum is the last several inches of your large intestine. Most rectal cancers start as clumps of abnormal cells (polyps) known as adenomas. It can take 10 to 15 years for a polyp to turn into a cancerous tumor on your rectum.

Cancer screening like colonoscopies often detect polyps that can become cancer. Regular screenings to detect and remove polyps reduce your risk of developing rectal cancer. If you have rectal cancer, surgery to remove small cancerous tumors may cure the condition.

Rectal cancer is the third most common cancer in your digestive system, behind colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. Experts estimate 46,200 people will receive a rectal cancer diagnosis in 2024.