Cancer is a disease no one wants to face, but knowing the facts can help you protect your health. It can develop in different parts of the body, including the digestive system. Rectal cancer and anal cancer often get confused because they occur in nearby areas. However, they are distinct health conditions.

Rectal cancer originates in the rectum, the final section of the large intestine, while anal cancer begins in the anus, the opening through where stool (poop) passes. Understanding these difference between these cancers is important because their causes, symptoms and treatments can vary. In this blog, we will explain how rectal and anal cancer differ, helping you identify their unique signs and risk factor.

Understanding the Difference Between Anal vs Rectal Cancer

Rectal Cancer: It is a type of cancer that begins in the rectum, the last part of the large intestine, where the body stores stool before it is passed out. Rectal cancer happens when cells in the rectum grow abnormally and form a tumor. This can cause symptoms like blood in the stool (poop), changes in bowel habits, pain  or weight loss. Early detection is important because treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation works best when the cancer is detected early.

Anal Cancer: It is a type of cancer that starts in the anus which is opening at the end of the digestive tract where stool (poop) passes. Anal cancer occurs when cells in the anal area grow abnormally and form a tumor. Common signs for the anal cancer include itching, bleeding, pain, or a lump near the anus. Doctors treat anal cancer  with methods like chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery, depending on its stage. Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment.

Causes of rectal and anal cancer

The causes of rectal and anal cancer are still not known, but several factors can increase the risk:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a main cause of anal cancer.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can damage cells and elevates the risk of both cancers.
• Age: The risk increases as people get older, especially over age 30.
• Family history: Having close relatives with colorectal cancer increases your chances of getting these cancer.
• Chronic inflammation: Issues such as inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) can elevate the chances of getting rectal cancer.
• Weak immune system: People with HIV or other conditions that lower immunity are at higher risk.
• Unprotected anal sex: This can increase exposure to HIV or other infections.
• Poor diet: Eating too much red or processed meat and low fiber diet can contribute to the high risk of rectal cancer.

Treatments for Rectal and Anal Cancer

The treatments for anal and rectal cancer depend on the stage, location and overall health of the patient. Below are the common treatments explained in simple terms:

1. Surgery

• For Rectal Cancer: Doctors remove the cancerous part of the rectum and nearby tissues. Early detection can save and a minor surgery might the only need to treat the disease. In some cases, part of the rectum or the whole rectum may be removed. Sometimes, there is a need of colostomy (a hole in the belly for waste to exit).

• For Anal Cancer: Surgery is less common, but if the cancer does not respond to other treatments or if the tumor is small, doctors may recommend surgery. The surgeon removes the cancerous tissues while preserving as much of the anus as possible.

2. Radiation Therapy

• For Rectal Cancer: Doctors may recommend radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to eliminate.

• For Anal Cancer: For anal cancer, doctors often use radiation together with chemotherapy, known as chemoradiation. It helps shrink the tumor and improves the chances of a cure.

3. Chemotherapy

• For Rectal Cancer: Chemotherapy is also a reliable option before or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

• For Anal Cancer: Doctors usually use chemotherapy, along with radiation therapy for anal cancer. This combination is very effective and can sometimes cure cancer without surgery.

4. Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system in fighting the cancer.
• Doctors primarily use immunotherapy for advanced anal cancer, especially when the cancer has spread to other parts or does not respond to other treatments.

Diagnosis of Rectal and Anal Cancers

Doctors perform several tests to diagnose rectal and anal cancers, determining the location, size, and stage of the cancer.

1. Medical History and Physical Exam

2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

• The doctor wears a glove and carefully inserts a finger into the rectum to check for lumps, swelling, or unusual areas.
• Doctors often use this simple test to check for rectal and anal cancers.

3. Anoscopy (For anal cancer)

• The doctors use a flexible tube called an anoscope to examine the inside of the anus and the lower rectum.
• It helps them spot lumps, abdominal tissues or bleeding.

4. Colonoscopy (For Rectal cancer)

• A thin, flexible tube with a small camera (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and colon.
• The doctors examine the entire colon and rectum to identify polyps, tumors, and abnormal growths.
• In major cases, a small sample of tissue which is also called as biopsy is performed for testing.

5. Biopsy

• The expert confirms the diagnosis of cancer through a biopsy and collects a small piece of tissue from the suspicious area.
• The doctor sends the tissue sample to a lab, where an expert examines it under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Conclusion: