Long term and late side effects
As time goes on after bowel cancer treatment, many side effects improve. But some people continue to experience side effects for months or years after treatment (long-term effects). New side effects can also develop months or years after treatment (late effects).
Sometimes people don’t realise that the problems they are experiencing could be related to their bowel cancer treatment. Other times, people think side effects are just something they have to live with. This isn't always the case. Treatments, lifestyle changes and support can make a real difference for many of these effects.
If you're experiencing new symptoms, or symptoms that are affecting your daily life, speak to your healthcare team or GP.
Possible late and long-term effects include:
- Changes to your bowel habits
Bowel cancer treatment can change how your bowel works, sometimes long after treatment has finished.
Some people develop low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). This is a collection of bowel symptoms that can happen after surgery to remove all or part of your rectum. This can cause an urgent need to poo, diarrhoea, constipation, leaking poo or needing to go to the toilet more often.
Some people experience bile acid malabsorption, also called bile acid diarrhoea. The main symptom is diarrhoea. Other symptoms may include bloating, pain or cramping in your stomach (abdomen), or passing wind a lot.
Changes to your bowel habits can affect your confidence and everyday activities, but treatments and lifestyle changes may help.
Read more about managing these symptoms on our change in bowel habit after treatment page.
- Bladder problems
Surgery for bowel cancer can affect the nerves that control the bladder. Radiotherapy can irritate your bladder.
You might find that you need to wee more often or very suddenly, have difficulty emptying your bladder or leak urine. Some people experience pain when passing urine or notice blood in their urine.
There are ways to manage bladder problems, including medicines and pelvic floor exercises. Your healthcare team can also refer you to a continence advisor.
We provide free toilet cards to help you access a toilet quickly when you are out, such as in shops, pubs and venues.
Contact the hospital straight away if you have a high temperature or fever or you cannot urinate.
- Nerve problems (neuropathy)
Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the nerve endings in the hands, feet, lower legs and face. This is called neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy.
You might experience pins and needles, numbness, burning pains, sensitivity to cold or problems with your balance. These symptoms can make everyday activities like writing, walking or driving difficult.
Neuropathy may improve after treatment, but for some people it can last for months or years. Your healthcare team can help you manage symptoms, including through medicines, occupational therapy or physiotherapy.
- Effects of pelvic radiotherapy
Pelvic radiation disease (PRD) is a symptom or group of symptoms that can happen after having radiotherapy to treat cancer in your pelvic area (the area between your hips). This includes radiotherapy for bowel cancer.
Symptoms can include:
- blood or mucus in your poo
- bleeding from your bottom
- bowel problems
- bladder problems
- pain in your tummy, bottom or back
- painful sex and difficulty having sex
- early menopause and infertility
For some people the symptoms start soon after having radiotherapy and last for many months. For other people the symptoms can start years after having radiotherapy.
These symptoms can also have other causes, so it's important to speak to your healthcare team or GP to find out what's happening and what treatment or support might help.
Visit the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) website for more support and information.
- Living with a stoma or stoma reversal
If you have a stoma or have had a stoma reversed, it can take time to adjust and regain your bowel control. You may also have strong feelings about how this changes your body.
Some people develop a hernia after bowel cancer surgery, including around a stoma or after stoma reversal.
Having a stoma or a stoma reversal should not stop you doing the things you enjoy.
Your stoma care nurse specialist can help you to adapt to this change and help with any worries you may have. Find more information about living with a stoma and stoma reversal on our website.
- Sex, fertility and menopause
Bowel cancer treatment can affect your fertility and your sex life. These changes can affect people of all genders and sexual orientations.
Women, trans men and other people assigned female at birth might experience vaginal dryness, pain or discomfort during sex. Treatment may also cause early menopause, with symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood changes.
Men, trans women and other people assigned male at birth might experience erection or ejaculation problems.
Some people notice reduced interest in sex.
Some treatments can also affect your ability to have children, either temporarily or permanently.
You might feel embarrassed talking about sexual problems, but your healthcare team are used to having these conversations and want to help. There are treatments and support available.
Read more on our Body image and sex and Fertility webpages.
- Emotional wellbeing
Finishing bowel cancer treatment doesn't always mean you feel back to how you were before. You might feel scared, angry or sad, and adjusting to life afterwards can take longer than you expect.
For some people, these feelings develop into mental health problems, including anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If your symptoms affect your day-to-day activities and enjoyment of life, you should speak to your GP or healthcare team.
You can read more about your feelings after treatment, including how to cope with difficult emotions and changes to your confidence. We also have information on managing fear, anxiety and depression, with practical tips and advice on where to get support.
More information and support
If you have questions about long-term and late effects, our Ask the Nurse service can provide information and support.
Our online forum is a place to ask questions, read about other people's experiences and support each other.
Long-term and late effects can also affect your work, relationships and everyday life. You may find it helpful to read our information about work, money and travel.
For healthcare professionals
We've developed a range of resources about the long-term and late effects of bowel cancer treatment, including patient leaflets, an awareness poster and a guide explaining how to use these resources.
These resources can support conversations about long-term and late effects and help people affected by bowel cancer access appropriate treatment and support.
Reviewed: October 2026
Next review: October 2029
Living with peripheral neuropathy
Our blog on peripheral neuropathy provides more information and practical tips on how you can manage the condition. We also hear from Tim, who shares his story of living with peripheral neuropathy.
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