What is rectal cancer?
Clinical Oncologist Katherine Aitkens explains bowel cancer (which includes rectal cancer), giving an overview of bowel cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
The rectum is part of the large bowel, which is part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is more common in older people. In the UK, almost 6 in 10 bowel cancer cases (58%) each year are diagnosed in people aged 70 and over.
We have more information about other types of bowel cancer including:
Related pages
Booklets and resources
Symptoms of rectal cancer
Some people may start by seeing their GP because they have symptoms. Symptoms of rectal cancer can include:
- blood in your poo (stools)
- bleeding from the back passage
- a change in your normal bowel habit.
If you are worried about rectal cancer, we have more information about bowel cancer symptoms.
Other people may be diagnosed by:
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Having NHS Bowel Screening
Bowel screening is a way of finding bowel cancer at an early stage before it causes symptoms.
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Going to hospital with a problem, such as bowel obstruction
This is when part of the bowel becomes blocked. It may cause symptoms such as tummy pain, nausea and vomiting, and constipation.
If you have any symptoms or notice anything that is unusual for you, you should see your GP straight away.
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Diagnosis of rectal cancer
If you have symptoms, you will usually begin by seeing your GP, who will examine you. If they think that your symptoms could be caused by cancer, they will refer you to a specialist doctor.
Treatment for rectal cancer
A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
Your doctor will explain the different treatments and their side effects. They will also talk to you about the things you should consider when making treatment decisions.
Surgery is the most common treatment for rectal cancer. But the treatment you have depends on the stage of the cancer and where it is in the rectum. It also depends on your general health and preferences. Find out more about treatment options for rectal cancer.
Treatment may include:
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Surgery
Surgery is often used to remove cancer or areas affected by the cancer. It may also be used to help control symptoms
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. You may have it before or after surgery. It may be given as as the main treatment if the cancer has spread.
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Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy rays, usually x-rays and similar rays (such as electrons) to treat cancer. It is sometimes given before surgery to shrink the cancer or it may be used to control symptoms.
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Chemoradiation
Chemoradiation is a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is also sometimes called chemoradiotherapy.
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Targeted therapies
Targeted therapy drugs target something in or around a cancer cell that is helping it grow and survive. Targeted therapies are sometimes used to treat bowel cancers (colon or rectal) that have spread to other parts of the body.
You may also have some treatments as part of a clinical trial.
Most people have changes in how their bowel works after treatment for rectal cancer. These effects usually improve over time. We have more information about managing bowel changes caused by treatment.
After treatment for rectal cancer
Follow-up
The aim of follow-up care is to make sure everything is going well and to find out if you have any concerns. The appointments are usually every few months in the first year.
We have more information on follow-up care after treatment.
Sex life
Rectal cancer and its treatment can affect your sex life. Changes may get better over time, but sometimes they are permanent. If you have any problems or are worried about this talk to your doctor or nurse. They can explain what to expect and there are often things that can help.
Fertility
Some cancer treatments can affect whether you can get pregnant or make someone pregnant. If you are worried about this, it is important to talk with your doctor before you start treatment.
Well-being and recovery
Even if you already have a healthy lifestyle, you may choose to make some positive lifestyle changes after treatment. Making small changes such as eating well and keeping active can improve your health and well-being and help your body recover.
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This content is currently being reviewed. New information will be coming soon.
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