Rectal cancer: a truly multidisciplinary challenge

Over 40,000 people will be diagnosed with rectal cancer in the United States in 2014, and colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death nationally despite renewed focus on diagnosis and management (1). That being said, the incidence of colorectal cancer has dropped significantly over the last several decades largely attributable to more successful screening programs (2). In addition, cancer-related mortality among those diagnosed with colorectal cancer has also dropped in recent years, which is likely a function of earlier intervention and improved treatment modalities (3)