Bowel (colorectal) cancer
Bowel cancer can start in the large bowel (colon cancer) or back passage (rectal cancer). It is also called colorectal cancer.
Getting practical and emotional support can help you to cope with a diagnosis of bowel cancer. It can also help you with life during and after treatment. We have information on sex and relationships, bowel changes after treatment and where to get support.
Coping with cancer can be difficult. You might need emotional, practical and financial support. There is support available from your hospital team.
You might have a colostomy or ileostomy after surgery for bowel cancer. The end of your bowel is brought out into an opening on your tummy. The opening is called a stoma or ostomy.
Most people are able to resume their sex life after having bowel cancer. You will need time to get over surgery, or any other treatment.
You might need to look at what you eat and make changes to your diet after treatment for bowel cancer. You may need to experiment a bit to find out which foods upset your system. A dietitian can support you with diet problems from diagnosis, through treatment and afterwards.
Treatment for bowel cancer (colon and rectum) can cause changes to your bowel. These effects can last for a few weeks or months after treatment. Sometimes they might go on for longer.
There are many organisations, support groups and other resources to help you cope with bowel cancer and treatment. You can also find out about suppliers of stoma appliances.
Last reviewed: 06 Mar 2025
Next review due: 06 Mar 2028
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