Rectal Cancer Diet

Hello GeorgyGirl

Welcome to the online community. 

I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis of rectal cancer. Being diagnosed with cancer is a worrying and stressful time and I hope that you will find the same support from the online community that I have.

You have asked about diet with rectal cancer and the best person to ask is your CNS/doctor as they will know all your medical history. I hope that the laxido that your doctor has prescribed is helping.

In the meantime I have found some information that may help.

Eating and bowel cancer | Cancer Research UK

Rectal cancer | Booklet | Macmillan Cancer Support

We do also have an ask the expert section on here where you can post questions to the nurses and I will pop a link here for you in case you need it.

(+) Ask a Nurse - Macmillan Online Community

I can also recommend the Support Line (number below) if you have any questions or feel like talking to someone will help.

I wish you well with your treatment and please do let us know if there is anything else that we can do to support you.

Jane

Hi GeorgyGirl

Do you know where your rectal cancer is? 

I thought I was constipated for years and mine was a growth nearly blocking but this doesn’t mean that you have the same  we are all different  

This caused me to have serious problems opening my bowels I tried everything and I had continual pressure in my back passage 

Once I was diagnosed it made sense and I changed to food that I could process. Salads, high fibre caused problems for me so I had three high protein low fibre small meals and to meal supplement drinks. Honestly my energy levels really improved and I was able to gentle exercise 

It may be a really good idea to keep a food diary. Then you will find what’s best for you.

I will be interested in what other recommend  too

Best wishes 

Hi Ann, 

Thank you for your reply and the links. I will have a look. Poor you, my gosh that sounds awful! So glad you got diagnosed..have you had the growth removed now? 

My cancer is in the rectum. I'm sure I heard one of the CNS nurses say to me that the rectum acts like a 'holding place' for poo before it's ready to be evacuated but I might be wrong. 

I have asked one of the CNS nurses about diet and she sent me a booklet on diet for a bowel obstruction which is basically the same as the low residue one you have to do before a colonoscopy...(.white food and very bland for someone like me who eats a rainbow coloured higher fibre diet including onion, garlic and home made curries etc.) I didn't do it. 

I have surgery on August 3rd for the cancer but think a food diary is a good idea until then. I haven't made any big changes to my diet as another nurse told me I could eat what I liked in moderation, so bit confusing. I drink loads of water and chew my food well which is always good. 

Anyway, take care,

Georgie

Hi Georgie 

Sounds as if you’re well organised and making good steps towards getting that cancer in the bin 

I think of the rectum as the storage area. Mine was removed and they made a new area which is obviously thinner and smaller. 
Do you know if you are have a Lower Anterior Resection?

Colourful food is lovely but if you stay away from things like peanuts but you can have peanut butter, and hard to process food like sweetcorn you should be fine  

If you click on my name you can read my bio if your having a LAR but it could be another  there’s an operation fit for all types 

Tale care