Los Angeles cancer surgeon Dr. Avo Artinyan explains why treating rectal cancer presents unique challenges.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Rectal cancer is increasing in the United States at a significantly faster rate than colon cancer in people under 50, says Dr. Avo Artinyan, a nationally recognized surgical oncologist and colorectal surgeon. The distinction is particularly important given the potentially greater impact of rectal cancer treatment on quality of life and the potentially greater desire for preservation of function in younger adults.
According to the American Cancer Society's Colorectal Cancer Statistics, 2026, rectal cancer now accounts for nearly one-third of colorectal cancer diagnoses. Among adults younger than 50, rectal cancer incidence has increased approximately 83% since 1998.
Dr. Artinyan says these findings underscore an important message: although colon and rectal cancers are frequently grouped together, their treatment often involves vastly different strategies and surgical challenges.
"With rectal cancer, the desire for cure and preservation of function are often competing goals. Aggressive treatment strategies that may result in a higher chance of cure can be accompanied by life-altering loss of bowel, urinary and sexual function. " says Dr. Artinyan. According to a recent VA study published by Dr. Artinyan, up to 25% of patients with early-stage rectal cancer have historically received colostomies, a figure he notes is excessive.
"Rectal cancer treatment is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. We have to work with patients to understand not only their oncologic goals, but their functional goals, and tailor their care appropriately," Dr. Artinyan emphasizes. "What may be appropriate care for a retiree may not be appropriate for a concert pianist or high-rise construction worker."
Why Rectal Cancer Is Different
Unlike the colon, the rectum lies deep within the pelvis, surrounded by other critical organs and nerves essential for bowel, bladder, and sexual function. Tumors located near the anus are particularly challenging because conventional surgery may require the removal of the sphincter muscles, which may result in a permanent colostomy.
Dr. Artinyan emphasizes that advances in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, and radiation have significantly expanded treatment options. Major clinical trials, such as OPRA and GRECCAR-2, have demonstrated that patients with stage II or III rectal cancers who respond well to preoperative chemotherapy and radiation can successfully preserve their rectum. Rectal cancer specialists rely heavily on data from these and other trials, including the PROSPECT and PRODIGE-23 studies, to maximize a patient's chance of cure while preserving long-term function.
The Critical Need for Specialized Expertise
Rectal cancer demands highly individualized treatment based on the precise tumor location, stage, and other patient factors. A multidisciplinary team consisting of a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and a surgical oncologist with dedicated subspecialty training in rectal cancer is essential for achieving the best possible oncologic and functional results.
About Avo Artinyan, MD, MS, FACS
Dr. Avo Artinyan is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained surgical oncologist specializing in the treatment of colon, rectal, and gastrointestinal cancers. He is the former Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine and currently practices at Life Surgical Oncology in La Cañada, California.
An expert in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, Dr. Artinyan was also one of the early developers of advanced transanal techniques such as TAMIS. He has extensive experience treating complex rectal cancers, with a clinical focus on organ preservation and functional outcomes.
Dr. Artinyan has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of both the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
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