Rectal Cancer (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Rectal Cancer Overview
- Rectal Cancer Causes
- Rectal Cancer Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Questions to Ask the Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Rectal Cancer Treatment
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Therapy
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Prevention
Appropriate colorectal screening leading to the detection and removal of precancerous growths is the only way to prevent this disease. Screening tests for rectal cancer include fecal occult blood test and endoscopy.
If a family history of colorectal cancer is present in a first-degree relative (a parent or a sibling), then endoscopy of the colon and rectum should begin 10 years before the age of the relative's diagnosis or at age 50 years, whichever comes first.
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Cancer
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Rectal Cancer »
Approximately 135,000 new cases of colorectal cancer occur in the United States each year, resulting in approximately 55,000 deaths per year.
