Does rectal cancer require chemotherapy?

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on March 07, 2025
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The question of whether chemotherapy is necessary for rectal cancer needs to be analyzed specifically, taking into account factors such as the patient's physical condition, pathological staging, and whether the surgery was completely successful. Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer can be divided into adjuvant chemotherapy and palliative chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer, and it can also serve to enhance the effects of radiotherapy. For low rectal cancer, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can be administered if the tumor cannot be directly removed, followed by surgery after the treatment. If surgery is possible for rectal cancer, and there is lymph node metastasis or the pathological stage is relatively advanced, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy can be performed. Therefore, the need for chemotherapy in cases of rectal cancer should ideally be assessed at a specialized oncology department in a hospital to provide a detailed analysis and evaluation by oncologists.

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Hemorrhoids bleeding and rectal cancer differences

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The occurrence of rectal cancer is a process involving multiple factors and multiple steps, and it is the result of the interaction between environmental factors and genetic factors of the body. To date, its causes are not completely understood, but there are some factors that are considered high-risk. First, dietary factors are generally believed to be high in animal protein, high fat, and low fiber, which are significant factors in the high incidence of rectal cancer. Second, lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting, smoking, drinking, being overweight, and obesity may increase the incidence of rectal cancer. Third, having a history of medical surgeries. Fourth, environmental factors, such as asbestos workers. Fifth, genetic factors.

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What causes rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. The causes of rectal cancer in clinical practice include the following: First, some benign diseases of the rectum, such as adenomatous polyps, are precancerous lesions of rectal cancer. Second, genetic factors also play an important role in the incidence of rectal cancer. Epidemiological surveys show that the incidence of rectal cancer is significantly higher in populations with a family history of rectal cancer. Third, chronic inflammatory diseases of the rectum, such as ulcerative rectitis and Crohn's disease, can also lead to a significantly higher incidence of rectal cancer compared to the general population. Fourth, the incidence of rectal cancer is also somewhat related to viral infections of the rectum or radioactive damage.