After Rectal Cancer Treatment

Patients & Families, Cancer Care Alberta

After Treatment

The evidence-based recommendations described below outline the standard follow-up procedures for rectal cancer surveillance once you have finished your treatment and are intended to help you and your primary care provider in knowing the most updated information for follow-up care. These recommendations are not a substitute for your cancer doctor or primary care provider’s clinical judgement and advice.

ON THIS PAGE:
Follow-up|Manage Side Effects|Know Signs & Symptoms of Cancer Returning|Support & Recommendations|Ongoing Care

Follow-up

Remember: it is your responsibility to book your follow-up visits with your primary care provider so they can arrange the tests you need.

Since you are doing well, your primary care provider will be in charge of your recommended follow-up, which includes:

  • Arranging tests to check for cancer (surveillance)
  • Continuing to see you for any health conditions you have, or any new problems
  • Referring you to a specialist or back to your cancer doctor if they have any concerns.

Schedule of Tests for Rectal Cancer Surveillance

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
CEA Blood Test*
Every 3-6 months Every 3-6 months Every 3-6 months Every 6 months Every 6 months
CT Scan**
Yearly Yearly Yearly (Optional) — —
Colonoscopy
Yearly Every 3-5 yrs***

*CEA: carcinoembryonic antigen tumour marker
**CT scans (chest, abdomen, pelvis) and colonoscopies are performed around the anniversary date of your surgery
***as recommended by your endoscopist

If you need a family doctor, you can find one by calling Health Link (811) or visit Alberta Find a Provider. Once you have a doctor, let them know they can view the healthcare provider follow-up recommendations at ahs.ca/guru.

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Manage Side Effects

Most treatment side effects will get better several weeks and months after your treatment, but it is important to tell your primary care provider about any of your side effects or emotional concerns so they can help you.

The After Treatment Book also has suggestions for managing common side effects and concerns. If you need more information, your cancer centre and the Cancer Care Alberta website has detailed patient education materials to help with Managing Symptoms & Side Effects.

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Know the Signs & Symptoms of Cancer Returning (Recurrence)

A list of general symptoms of cancer recurrence is found in the After Treatment Book, see page 11.

If these symptoms start and do not go away, call your primary care provider right away. They may do tests to see if the cancer has come back or refer you back to the cancer centre. If there are any concerns about the cancer returning, your primary care provider will connect you back to us.

  • Persistent and/or worsening abdominal pain
  • Worsening fatigue
  • Nausea or unexplained weight loss
  • Dry cough
  • Pelvic pain
  • Change in urinary/bowel habits
  • Pain radiating down your buttocks and legs

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Support & Recommendations

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Ongoing Care

If there are any concerns about your treatment or cancer returning, your family doctor will refer you back to us.

Note: The follow-up care information on this page is for people who have finished rectal cancer treatment and is based on the sample Transfer of Care letter from the Cancer Guidelines website. These letters have been reviewed and approved by the Provincial Tumour Teams.

This information can help you and your primary care provider understand what follow-up care you may need. It does not replace the advice of your cancer doctor or primary care provider.

At the end of your treatment, your cancer doctor may send you a similar letter with recommendations that are specific to your care.

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