Environmental pollutants and rectal cancer: The impact of water contamination

Background: Water is a fundamental resource for life, and exposure to water contamination has far-reaching implications for an increased risk of tumor diseases. Methods: Studies of rectal and colorectal cancer related to water contamination were identified from the published literature in the PUBMED databases from 2010 to 2024. Results: This review provides a critical analysis of the current evidence, summarizing the association of water contamination, including industrial waste, pesticides, heavy metals, with rectal and colorectal cancer. It highlights their impact on rectal and colorectal cancer progression by underlying processes of DNA damage, chronic inflammation, and microbial contamination. Conclusion: Rectal cancer is a significant global health concern with a strong association between environmental pollutants in water sources and increased incidence of rectal cancer. It is vital to identify how waster pollutants influence the development and progression of rectal cancer and formulate targeted preventive approaches and social interventions to decrease the disease's impact.