What Are the Causes of Rectal Cancer?

Cancer of your rectum may take many years to develop, and the symptoms may be similar to chronic conditions such as hemorrhoids and constipation. The causes of rectal cancer include lifestyle and personal habits, chronic medical conditions and inherited genetic disorders. Consider this information from the American Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic about the causes of rectal cancer.

Meat

• A diet rich in red meats and processed meats may cause you to develop rectal cancer, especially if your diet also lacks fruits and vegetables.

Inactivity

• Lack of regular exercise and physical activity increases your risk as well as dying from rectal cancer.

Smoking

• Smoking tobacco causes inflammation of your internal organs, including your rectum, which can result in the growth of cancerous tumors.

Alcohol

• Heavy consumption of alcohol can cause chronic inflammation of your digestive system, including your rectum, and can cause rectal cancer.

Diabetes

• Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of developing and dying from rectal cancer, even when controlling for obesity and inactivity.

IBD

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cause chronic inflammation of your rectum, which can develop into rectal cancer.

Genetic Mutations

• Genetic mutations, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Gardner syndrome, may cause the development of polyps in your colon, which can then become cancerous.