Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click here.

Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Rectal Cancer

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Rectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine. It is common in both men and women. Because there may be no symptoms at first, it is important to have screenings often; including colonoscopy and tests for blood in the stool. The cause of rectal cancer is unknown, but the risk of developing it increases as one gets older. Family history of the disease is also a major risk factor.

Symptoms

  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Blood  in stool
  • Frequent gas pains or cramps
  • Often feeling full or bloated
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Treatments

  • surgery
  • chemotherapy
  • radiation

Risk Factors

  • 50 years or older
  • Have colorectal polyps
  • family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
  • poor diet
  • smoking

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Colon and Rectal Surgery

BMC's colorectal surgeons offer cutting-edge surgical treatments for conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and anus, in coordinating with other specialists.
Colon and Rectal Surgery
department

Gastrointestinal Cancer Program

Our expert team treats all cancers of the gastrointestinal system, as well as pancreatic and liver cancers, with surgery, chemotherapy, and more.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Program
department

Radiation Oncology

The Department of Radiation Oncology at Boston Medical Center is committed to providing expert, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility. Our team of skilled radiation on…
Radiation Oncology