Home / Health Insurance / Wellness Corner / What Are the Reasons Behind Rectal Cancer? (EST READ TIME: 3 minutes)

What Are the Reasons Behind Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the rectum, the last several inches of the large intestine. It starts as small, non-cancerous growths called polyps and becomes cancerous over time. After colon & pancreatic cancer, rectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the digestive system. While rectal cancer has no known cause, there are factors that can put you at risk of contracting the disease. Understanding the underlying reasons behind rectal cancer is key to early detection and treatment. In this blog, we explore the key factors that contribute to its onset. Read on to know more.

What Causes Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer has no known cause. However, some factors can put you at risk of contracting it. These are:

1. Age and gender

With age, the risk of rectal cancer increases. Most patients are above 50 years of age. Also, men are more likely to contract rectal cancer than women.

2. Lifestyle factors

Some lifestyle factors which raise the risk of cancers includes consuming a diet low in vegetables and fibre, rich in processed and red meat, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity.

3. Family history

If your parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with rectal cancer, your risk of developing the disease is high.

4. Inherited syndromes

Certain inherited or genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can significantly increase the risk of rectal and colon cancers.

5. Inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation in the digestive tract, raise your risk of rectal and colon cancers.

6. Race

Black people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer compared to people of other races.

7. Diabetes

The risk of rectal cancer is higher in people with type 2 diabetes.

8. Radiation therapy

If you have been exposed to radiation therapy at the abdomen for treatment of previous cancers, you may be at increased risk of rectal cancer.

Conclusion

Rectal cancer can lead to serious complications if not treated on time. Even though there’s no way to prevent it, you can still reduce the risk by having regular screenings and following healthy lifestyle practices. Doctors generally recommend screening after the age of 45, but you can get screened earlier if you have risk factors. For early diagnosis and effective treatment, you must know the reasons behind rectal cancer and who is at risk.

Cancer treatments are expensive, but you can safeguard yourself financially with a comprehensive health insurance plan.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

Cancer - Symptoms, Stages, Types & What It Is

Prostate Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment Options

What Are the Early Signs of Cancer

Know the Most Common Types of Cancer in Women

How is Cancer Diagnosed - Methods to Test & Detect Cancer

Published on May 16, 2025