Bowel cancer - Questions to ask

If you've been diagnosed with bowel cancer (colon or rectal cancer), you may want to talk to your doctor to find out more.

Here are some questions that you might want to ask before surgery.

Will I need surgery?
If I need surgery, what will this involve? What will you take away?
Is the surgeon you're recommending someone who does these kinds of operations a lot?
Will I need to have a colostomy? If so, will it be permanent?
Will I need any treatment after surgery?
How long will it take me to recover after surgery?
Is my family at risk of getting this type of cancer?
Is there anything my family should be doing to protect themselves against this type of cancer?
Should I be following a special diet or taking vitamins to help stop the cancer coming back?
Will my treatment cure my cancer? How will you know if I'm cured?

Here are some questions that you might want to ask after surgery.

How far has the cancer spread? Has it reached other organs or is it just in the colon or rectum?
What stage is the cancer?
Do any of my lymph nodes have cancer cells in them? If so, how many nodes have cancer cells?
Is my cancer likely to come back?

Glossary

lymph nodes: Lymph nodes (also called glands) are small, bean-shaped lumps that you cannot usually see or easily feel. They are located in various parts of the body, such as the neck, armpit and groin. Lymph nodes filter and remove unwanted things, such as bacteria and cancer cells.
colostomy: A colostomy provides a way for food waste to safely leave your body if your rectum has been removed or if your colon and rectum aren't working properly. Your surgeon creates a new opening for your colon (usually on your abdomen) so that your can be collected in a bag called a colostomy bag.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.