Question 1

can rectal cancer be cured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if early enuf: Like other cancers, rectal cancer has better prognosis (outlook) if diagnosed and treated at an earlier, rather than later stage.  Very early cancers can be cured with burning the tissue. More advanced will likely need radiation/chemo/surgery in varying combinations and timing.  Can be cured, but unfortunately, not always.

Question 2

how do you diagnose rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: An endoscopic procedure such as proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is usually necessary to make the diagnosis.

Question 3

what are symptoms of rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding,: Theso first sign of rectal ca is bleeding as solid feca; , material passes.  As lesion gets larger increasing constipation and then pain noted.

Question 4

can i get a rectal cancer at age 15?

Accepted Answer

Very uncommon: The earliest I have seen colon cancer is age 17.  Unfortunately it occurs but extremely rare, mean extremely rare.  Family history plays a big role.  Things that may help are eating a healthy diet.  Stay away from fatty foods.  Hope this helps.

Question 5

what are the tests for rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Rectal & endoscopy: Rectal cancer is tested for like colonic cancer.  However, many rectal cancers may be diagnosed by a digital rectal examination and proctoscopy.

Question 6

what are some signs of rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding and others: Rectal bleeding, weight loss, change in bowel habits, and anemia are the most common. Unfortunatley many are asymptomatic until the tumor is large.

Question 7

how does rectal cancer affect the body?

Accepted Answer

Depends on staging: Rectal cancer can cause problems with the rectal function, based on it's presence or from treatment related side effects, such as rectal bleeding. More serious problems including weight loss and fatigue may occur if the cancer has spread.

Question 8

can rectal cancer be treated surgically?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Rectal cancer, like any cancer needs - 1) diagnosis, 2) staging and prognosis, 3) treatment. Early rectal cancer may be treated by surgery alone. More often a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are required in a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. Metastatic rectal cancer may depend more heavily on chemotherapy.

Question 9

how long does it take rectal cancer to grow?

Accepted Answer

No clear answer: While cancer doesn't develop overnight, processes leading upto cancer can take years. 
Here is a good overview on rectal cancer

http://www.Cancer.Net/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer.

Question 10

what is the rate of survival for rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Depends on staging: Median survival of about 27-30 months in metastatic disease who response to proper treatment.

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Can rectal cancer be cured?

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Can i get a rectal cancer at age 15?

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What are the tests for rectal cancer?

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What are some signs of rectal cancer?

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Can rectal cancer be treated surgically?

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How long does it take rectal cancer to grow?

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What is the rate of survival for rectal cancer?

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