Introduction to Rectal Cancer
At 35, Katie Dutton is already a rectal cancer survivor, an ordeal that started with seemingly benign symptoms doctors initially dismissed. She was told to change her diet and was treated for hemorrhoids before a colonoscopy finally revealed a mass at the end of her digestive system.
Early Symptoms and Misdiagnosis
She was 33 when she suddenly started experiencing constipation, a symptom she had never had before. While on vacation in Las Vegas, she noticed she didn’t have a bowel movement for a week. In December of that year, she saw a big gush of bright red blood after a bowel movement and then consistent bleeding almost every time she went to the bathroom. When Dutton mentioned those warning signs to her doctor, she was told it was probably hemorrhoids that were acting up because of the constipation. The physician’s advice was to eat more fiber.
The Journey to Diagnosis
In June 2023, Dutton went to a new primary care doctor who referred her to a gastroenterologist. A colonoscopy revealed a large polyp in her rectum that finally set her diagnosis in motion. Katie Dutton was diagnosed with rectal cancer at 33.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Rectal cancer starts in the rectum, the last six inches of the digestive system where stool is stored until it passes through the anus, according to the American Cancer Society. It accounts for about 30% of new colorectal cancer cases in the U.S. Doctors are seeing the disease more and more in younger people for unknown reasons, says Dr. Laila Rashidi, a colorectal surgeon at MultiCare in Tacoma, Washington, who treated Dutton. Half of Rashidi’s patients are under 50, she notes.
Signs to Look Out For
Constipation is one of the warning signs because if the tumor gets large, stool can’t pass easily, Rashidi says. Sometimes, just the liquid portion of waste can pass around the tumor, so some patients report what they think is diarrhea, she adds. Rectal bleeding is the "red flag symptom” to be concerned about. If the blood is darker in color, it’s had time to get oxidized so it’s usually coming from higher up in the colon. If it’s bright red, that means the bleeding is happening low in the rectum, which could be hemorrhoids or cancer. Changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, anemia, abdominal pain, narrow stools, and an unproductive urge to have a bowel movement are also colorectal cancer symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When Dutton’s polyp was biopsied, it came back as precancerous. But doctors were suspicious and kept testing because of an enlarged lymph node near her rectal area. Dutton officially found out she had Stage 3B rectal cancer on Black Friday in November 2023. She was just 33 years old. She underwent four months of chemotherapy, but was relieved she didn’t need radiation to her pelvis, which would have left her unable to have children. In May 2024, Dutton underwent surgery to remove all traces of the mass and most of her rectum. Rashidi then connected the healthy parts of her digestive system back together.
Conclusion
Dutton urges others to be aware of the symptoms and advocate for themselves. “If I could do it again, I would have been a lot more aggressive with asking for a colonoscopy much earlier. But even me, it wasn’t on my radar. I was like, ‘I’m probably fine. I’m so young.’ But that’s not the case anymore,” she says. “Rule out cancer first. The stakes are too high.”
FAQs
- Q: What are the symptoms of rectal cancer?
A: Symptoms include constipation, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, anemia, abdominal pain, narrow stools, and an unproductive urge to have a bowel movement. - Q: How is rectal cancer diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis is typically made through a colonoscopy, which can reveal polyps or tumors in the rectum. - Q: What should I do if I experience symptoms?
A: Advocate for yourself and ask for a colonoscopy if you experience any symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time. - Q: Can rectal cancer be treated?
A: Yes, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. - Q: How can I reduce my risk of rectal cancer?
A: While some risk factors like age and family history cannot be changed, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can help reduce your risk.
