Overview
Stage 1 Rectal Cancer is when the cancer is found in the deeper layers of the rectal wall but it has not spread outside the rectum.
Understanding your Stage 1 Rectal Cancer diagnosis will help you partner with your doctors to make the best treatment choice for you. Tap “Watch Now” for an easy-to-understand overview of Stage 1 Rectal Cancer.
- Stage 1 Rectal Cancer Diagnosis
Overview
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A Stage 1 Rectal Cancer diagnosis shows up in 2 ways.
1. The cancer has formed in the innermost layer of the rectum wall called the mucosa and has spread to the layer of tissue next to the mucosa called the submucosa, shown here in light pink,
or
2. The cancer has spread to the muscle layer of your rectum wall, shown in orange.
In either case, the cancer has not affected the closest lymph nodes or other organs in your body, as shown here.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
A Rectosigmoidoscopy (a thin tube with a camera that is introduced through your anus to see the inside of your colon) is usually the first step to identify the tumor inside your colon and take samples for analysis.
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
Tissue analysis is also typically done through a biopsy to identify the cancer cell type, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
If your treatment team has not already performed tests to determine your cancer’s features, please ask your doctor when these tests will be performed.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-rectal
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Stage 1 Rectal Cancer Prevention
While there are no specific strategies for preventing Stage 1 Rectal Cancer, general recommendations to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (which includes rectal cancer) include:
- Healthy Diet: Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Limit intake of red and processed meats.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
- Regular Screenings: Adhere to recommended screening guidelines, especially if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors. Screening can detect precancerous conditions and early-stage cancers.
- Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Limit Alcohol Intake: Consume alcohol in moderation or not at all.
These general measures focus on reducing overall risk factors associated with colorectal cancer and supporting health. For personalized recommendations, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
Stage 1 Rectal Cancer Survival Rate
Early-stage colorectal cancer that hasn’t spread outside the primary site — usually stage 0 or stage 1 — has a five-year survival rate of 91 percent.
Source: Cancer.net
Stage 1 Rectal Cancer Treatment
For other stages 1 cancers, surgery is usually the main treatment. Some small stage 1 cancers can be removed through the anus without cutting the abdomen (belly), using transanal resection or transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM).
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 1 Rectal Cancer Symptoms
You might not experience rectal cancer symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. If you do experience symptoms in stages 0 through 2, they’ll often include:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- changes in stool color
- changes in stool shape, such as narrowed stool
- blood in the stool
- bleeding from the rectum
- excessive gas
- abdominal cramps
- abdominal pain
Source: Healthline.com
Stage 1 Rectal Cancer Recurrence Rate
According to SEER data, the stage 1 rectal cancer recurrence rate is 5% in 5 years, respectively.
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Stage 1 Rectal Cancer Definition
Stage 1 rectal cancer, means that your tumor is invading the intermediate layers of the rectum (submucosa or muscle), but it has not affected the closest lymph nodes or other organs.
