Hello Kasza85 and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to learn that you have recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer. This must be a difficult time for you.  It is difficult to say whether you will be advised to have a stoma before starting treatment as everyone is treated as an individual. It also depends on the grade and stage of your cancer. 

For most people the first step is usually chemotherapy and radiotherapy together.  A stoma is usually only fitted before treatment depending on where in the bowel the tumour is situated and if your having symptoms such as pain or trouble controlling your bowels.  If you’re not having these issues, doctors usually try treatment first without a stoma. Your hospital specialist will explain what’s best for you.

I hope you know more about your treatment options soon, and  your treatment goes without any issues.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support

It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Kind regards,

Tina