Rectal cancer develops in the last few inches of the large intestine (rectum). Although closely related to colon cancer, rectal cancer often requires a different treatment approach due to its location deep in the pelvis. With modern imaging, precision radiotherapy, advanced surgery, and personalized chemotherapy, rectal cancer is now highly treatable—especially when detected early.

At I D Cancer Center, Lucknow, our goal is to provide accurate diagnosis, organ-preserving treatment, and optimal quality of life for every patient.

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What Is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer begins in the inner lining of the rectum, typically arising from pre-cancerous polyps. Over time, these polyps can develop into malignant tumors. Early detection allows cure with minimal treatment, while advanced cancers may require combined therapy.

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Common Symptoms

Rectal cancer symptoms often appear gradually. Consult an oncologist if you experience:

• Persistent rectal bleeding

• Blood in stool or black, tarry stools

• Change in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, narrow stools)

• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue or weakness

• Mucus discharge in stools

Any bleeding from the rectum should always be evaluated by a specialist.

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Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of rectal cancer include:

• Age >50 years (increasing cases in younger adults as well)

• Family history of colorectal cancer

• Hereditary syndromes (FAP, Lynch syndrome)

• Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease

• Diet high in red/processed meat

• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle

• Smoking and heavy alcohol use

• Type 2 diabetes

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How Rectal Cancer is Diagnosed at I D Cancer Center

We follow international guidelines to ensure accurate staging and personalized treatment.

Diagnostic Tests

• Colonoscopy – Visualizes the rectum and removes biopsies

• Biopsy – Confirms the diagnosis

• MRI pelvis – Gold standard for local staging

• CT scan chest/abdomen – Checks for distant spread

• CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) – Tumor marker

• PET-CT (when required) – Detailed cancer spread assessment

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Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

Treatment is based on stage, tumor location, and patient health. Our center offers multidisciplinary care combining radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery when required.

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1. Radiotherapy (Highly Advanced Techniques)

Rectal cancer often requires radiotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy).

We provide:

• IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)

• VMAT / Arc Therapy

• Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)

• Adaptive Radiotherapy

• SRS/SBRT for metastatic disease

Benefits of radiotherapy in rectal cancer:

• Shrinks tumor before surgery

• Increases chance of sphincter preservation

• Reduces local recurrence

• May allow non-surgical organ preservation in select patients (“Watch & Wait” protocol)

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2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used:

• Before radiotherapy (Total Neoadjuvant Therapy)

• After surgery to prevent recurrence

• For metastatic disease

Common regimens:

FOLFOX / CAPOX / 5-FU based therapy tailored to patient needs.

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3. Surgery

Performed after neoadjuvant therapy in most cases.

Types of surgery:

• Low Anterior Resection (LAR)

• Abdominoperineal Resection (APR)

• Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) – the gold standard

• Local excision for early tumors

Goal: remove the tumor completely while preserving bowel and urinary function.

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4. Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy

For selected patients with:

• MSI-H / dMMR tumors

• Certain genetic alterations

Immunotherapy can significantly improve outcomes.

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Organ Preservation Approach

At I D Cancer Center, eligible patients may be offered a “Watch & Wait” protocol after complete clinical response to chemo-radiation, avoiding major surgery and improving quality of life.

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Prognosis

Prognosis depends on stage and response to treatment. With modern multimodality therapy:

• Early-stage cancers have >80–90% long-term survival

• Locally advanced cancers show excellent response to neoadjuvant therapy

• Modern radiotherapy and chemotherapy significantly reduce recurrence rates

Early diagnosis and timely treatment offer the best outcomes.

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Why Choose I D Cancer Center for Rectal Cancer Treatment?

• Advanced IMRT/VMAT/IGRT radiotherapy

• Expert oncology team led by Dr. Sunil Kumar

• Precise MRI-based staging

• Organ-preservation protocols

• Evidence-based chemotherapy

• Supportive care, nutrition & rehabilitation

• Compassionate and patient-friendly environment

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When to Consult an Oncologist?

If you notice:

• Rectal bleeding

• Persistent bowel changes

• Unexplained weight loss

• Family history of colorectal cancer

Timely evaluation can save life.