Cancer is a word that nobody wants to hear. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it is not just the patient who is affected. The entire family goes through a difficult time, with questions, worries and uncertainty about what lies ahead.
Rectal cancer is one such illness that people may hesitate to speak about. Some may feel embarrassed to discuss problems related to their bowel habits, while others may ignore symptoms, hoping they will settle on their own. Unfortunately, this delay can sometimes prevent the disease from being detected early. As a community, we need to speak more openly about cancer. Understanding the disease, recognizing its warning signs and seeking medical help at the right time can make a real difference.
What is rectal cancer?
The rectum is the last part of the large intestine. It stores stool before it leaves the body. Rectal cancer develops when cells in the lining of the rectum begin to grow abnormally and form a tumour.
Symptoms we should not ignore: One of the most important things to remember is that changes in our bowel habits should not always be dismissed as minor problems.
Some common symptoms of rectal cancer include blood in the stool or bleeding from the anus, constipation or diarrhoea that persists, a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after passing stool, discomfort or pain in the rectal area, a persistent change in the shape or thickness of stools, unexplained weight loss, and tiredness or weakness that may sometimes be due to anaemia caused by blood loss.
If symptoms persist, or if there is bleeding from the rectum, please consult a doctor. There is no need to feel embarrassed about discussing these problems.
Who can develop rectal cancer?
Rectal cancer is more common as people grow older, but
younger people can also develop it. The risk may be higher in people who have a family history of colorectal cancer, certain inherited conditions, a personal history of colorectal polyps, or chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Smoking, physical inactivity, excess body weight, heavy alcohol consumption and a diet containing large amounts of processed meat may also contribute to the risk.
Can we reduce the risk?
Eating a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits and whole grains, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol are sensible measures. Screening is also important. Some colorectal cancers develop from polyps, which can be detected and removed before they become cancerous. It is worth discussing screening with your doctor, especially if you are older or have a family history of colorectal cancer. Waiting for symptoms is not always the best approach.
How is rectal cancer diagnosed?
A colonoscopy allows the doctor to examine the rectum and colon. If a suspicious growth is found, a small sample of tissue, called a biopsy, is taken and examined under a microscope.If cancer is confirmed, additional investigations help determine its stage. An MRI of the pelvis is particularly useful for assessing the tumour and its relationship to surrounding structures. CT scans may be performed to check whether the cancer has spread elsewhere in the body.These tests help the medical team decide which treatment is most suitable.
What treatment is available?
The treatment of rectal cancer has improved over the years. Depending on the stage and location of the tumour, treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these. Surgery is an important part of treatment for many patients.
Life after cancer treatment
Finishing treatment is an important milestone, but recovery can take time. Some patients experience tiredness, changes in bowel habits, reduced appetite or emotional stress. Others may worry about returning to work, resuming normal activities or whether the cancer will come back.Regular follow-up appointments are an important part of care. Family support is equally important during this period.
The role of family and community
An illness such as cancer affects the whole family. Along with the physical difficulties, there may be financial worries, hospital visits, time away from work and concern about the future.In such circumstances, even small acts of kindness can mean a great deal. A visit to the patient, a phone call, help with transport to the hospital, or assistance with everyday responsibilities can ease some of the family’s burdens. Sometimes, people do not know what to say to someone who has cancer. We need not always have the right words. Listening and being present are often enough.
As a parish community, we can do much more than offer sympathy. We can help families find practical support, encourage patients to attend appointments and make sure that nobody feels forgotten during a difficult time.
Finding strength in faith
For many people, faith becomes especially important when life takes an unexpected turn. A cancer diagnosis can bring fear, sadness and questions about what the future holds. Faith does not mean that we will never be afraid. It gives us something to hold on to when we are afraid. Throughout the Gospels, Lord Jesus Christ showed compassion towards the sick and those who were suffering.
The words of Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 11:28 offer comfort to anyone carrying a heavy burden: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
A final thought
Rectal cancer is a serious illness, but it is not a reason to give up hope. Being aware of the symptoms, seeking medical advice without delay and following the recommended treatment can make an important difference.
Let us encourage our families and friends to speak openly about their health and not ignore symptoms out of embarrassment or fear. Let us also remember those who are already living with cancer. A little kindness, a helping hand or a few minutes spent listening can make a difficult day easier for someone.
As Christians, we are called to see the suffering of others with compassion. We may not always be able to change their circumstances, but we can make sure they do not have to face them alone. And in moments of fear and uncertainty, we can turn with confidence to the motherly care of Our Blessed Mother Mary. Just as she remained close to Lord Jesus Christ at the foot of the Cross, may she remain close to those who suffer.
May we continue to place our trust in Lord Jesus Christ and remember that, even in the most difficult moments, hope, love and human companionship remain precious gifts.
Dr Sujoy Fernandes
Consultant in Radiation and Clinical Oncology
Oncologist (Cancer Specialist), MD,AIIMS