Early Symptoms Of Rectal Cancer You Must Be Aware Of

#1 The anus or anal canal is the short passage through which stool or feces passes to exit the body at the time of a bowel movement.

#2 A risk factor is something that increases a person's chance of getting a disease.

1) Age (over age 55).

2) Anal sex

3) Sexually transmitted diseases

4) Multiple sex partners

5) Smoking

6) Weakened immune system (chemotherapy, transplant recipients, patients with HIV).

7) Chronic local inflammation (long-standing anal fistulas or open wounds in the anal area)

8) Pelvic radiation

#3 There are almost 10,000 new cases of anal cancer being diagnosed each year in the U.S., accounting for about 1-2% of all intestinal cancers.

#4 Anal cancers often cause symptoms such as:

1) Rectal or anal bleeding

2) A lump or mass at the anal opening

3) Persistent or recurring pain or itching in the anal area

4) Change in bowel habits (having more or fewer bowel movements) or increased straining during a bowel movement

5) Narrowing of the stools

6) Discharge or drainage (mucous or pus) from the anus

7) Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the anal or groin areas.