One in 25 girls is at risk of developing rectal cancer, the third most common type of cancer in the world. This article reviews the signs and symptoms of rectal cancer in women.

Symptoms of rectal cancer in women

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Rectal cancer may not show any obvious symptoms in its early stages, and if they do, they may be similar to the symptoms of other medical conditions, and often the only way to detect them is to conduct periodic examinations , and as the disease progresses, the symptoms appear more clearly , and in general the symptoms of rectal cancer in women include:

Changes in bowel movements that last for several weeks, such as diarrhea or constipation.

Blood in the stool, shown by the appearance of black or tarry stools.

The feeling of inability to empty what is in the intestine.

Discomfort or urge to defecate even when not needed.

If the cancer has spread or has spread to other parts of the body, the symptoms may vary depending on where the cancer is located in the body. 

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent symptoms of interest to you, including the ones listed above, as well as see him for regular check-ups on time.

Are the symptoms of rectal cancer in women different from the symptoms of cancer in men?

No, the symptoms of rectal cancer are the same in men and women.

When is rectal cancer screening for women?

Women who are at risk of developing rectal cancer are encouraged to start having an endoscopic examination every 10 years, starting at the age of 45.

Women with higher risk factors should talk to their doctor about when to start screening , regular screening for rectal cancer usually lasts up to the age of 75 every 10 years.

For women aged 76-85 years, the decision on the examination should be based on the patient's preferences, life expectancy, her general health, the results of the previous examination, and women over 85 should not undergo rectal cancer screening.

Risk factors for rectal cancer are high if they include the following:

Personal history of rectal and colon cancer or certain types of polyps.

Family history related to rectal and colon cancer.

Previous personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, for example Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis disease.

Radiotherapy to the abdomen or pelvis as a result of a previous cancer.

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