Overview
Stage 2 Rectal Cancer is when the cancer has spread into the outer wall of the bowel or into tissue or organs next to the bowel. It has not spread to the lymph nodes or distant parts of your body.
Understanding your Stage 2 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 2 Rectal Cancer.
- Stage 2A Rectal Cancer
- Stage 2B Rectal Cancer
- Stage 2C Rectal Cancer
Overview
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Stage 2A Rectal Cancer, is when the tumor has spread to the outermost layer of your rectum called the serosa, shown as a dark pink band.
Shown here in yellow, you can see the cancer is in the rectum but it has not affected the closest lymph nodes or other organs in your body.
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
Overview
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Stage 2B Rectal Cancer diagnosis is when the cancer has spread through the serosa to the tissue that covers most of the organs in your abdomen call the peritoneum.
As you can see here, while more spread has occurred than in Stage 2A, the Rectal Cancer has still not spread to any other organs.
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
Overview
Listen Now
A Stage 2C Rectal Cancer diagnosis means that the cancer has spread to nearby organs like the prostate, seminal vesicles, cervix or vagina.
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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Commonly Searched Questions
Stage 2 Rectal Cancer Prevention
While specific prevention strategies for Stage 2 Rectal Cancer are not outlined, general recommendations to help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (including rectal cancer) include:
- Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, while limiting red and processed meats.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
- Regular Screenings: Follow recommended screening guidelines, especially if you are at higher risk due to family history or other factors. Early detection can help manage or prevent the progression of cancer.
- 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 aim to reduce risk factors associated with colorectal cancer and support overall health. For personalized advice, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 2 Rectal Cancer Definition
Stage 2 rectal cancer means that your cancer has invaded deeper layers of your colon or even nearby organs, but it has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 2 Rectal Cancer Survival Rate
According to SEER data, Stage 2 Rectal Cancer has a survival rate of 90%. For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific stage of rectal cancer is 90%, it means that patients who have that cancer are, on average, about 90% as likely as patients who don’t have that cancer to live for at least 5 years after being diagnosed.
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 2 Rectal Cancer Treatment
Stage 2 rectal cancer is treated with surgery and lymph node removal.
Stage 2 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 2 Rectal Cancer Recurrence Rate
The specific recurrence rates for Stage 2 Rectal Cancer are not directly listed. However, the recurrence rate for Stage 2 Rectal Cancer generally depends on several factors, including the type of treatment received, the cancer’s characteristics, and individual patient factors.
For a general idea, Stage 2 Rectal Cancer has a 5-year survival rate that ranges between 60% to 80%, which reflects the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after diagnosis. Recurrence rates can vary, but with appropriate treatment and follow-up care, the risk of recurrence can be managed.
For the most accurate information and personalized risk assessment, consulting with a healthcare provider or oncologist is recommended.
Source: Cancer.org
