Treatment for bowel cancer can affect how your bowel and digestion work. Some people may also find that some foods cause discomfort. These changes can be difficult to adjust to. They usually improve over time, but issues may be ongoing and require specialised help.
If you experience problems, talk to your GP, specialist doctor, specialist nurse or dietitian. To find an accredited practising dietitian, visit Dietitians Australia and use their “find a dietitian” search tool.
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Surgery for rectal cancer can lead to symptoms such as faecal incontinence, constipation or frequent bowel movements. This is known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), and it can last for months or years. If you have ongoing bowel effects after rectal surgery, talk to your surgeon. Ways to improve bowel function may include changing what you eat, taking medicines and having physiotherapy.
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Prof Alexander Heriot, Colorectal Surgeon and Director Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Director, Lower GI Tumour Stream, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Cameron Bell, Gastroenterologist, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW; Graham Borgas, Consumer; Prof Michael Bourke, Director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, NSW; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria, VIC; Amanda Connolly, Specialist Bowel Care Nurse, Icon Cancer Centre Windsor Gardens, SA; A/Prof Melissa Eastgate, Operations Director, Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Anne Marie Lyons, Stomal Therapy Nurse, Concord Repatriation General Hospital and NSW Stoma Ltd, NSW; Lisa Nicholson, Manager Bowel Care Services, Bowel Cancer Australia, NSW; Stefanie Simnadis, Clinical Dietitian, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Rafi Sharif, Consumer; Dr Kirsten van Gysen, Radiation Oncologist, The Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Sarah Williams, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Lower GI, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.
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