Husband has just been diagnosed with rectal cancer - does anyone have any knowledge/experience with this type of cancer?

Hello Everyone,

Does anyone have any knowledge, experience with this type of cancer?

My husband has just been diagnosed last week, there is a lot of confusion I feel as he has been unwell for the last 1.5 years, and has been diagnosed with acid reflex, inflammation of the esophagus

then gall stones and just recently the removal of an infected gall bladder.  My confusion lies that my husband had a MRI and CT scans numerous blood tests but this cancer did not show up 4 months ago?

  • Hello jteresa, welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis, it’s completely natural to feel confused and upset, especially after so many months of unexplained symptoms and previous tests that didn’t show anything.

    You might find it helpful to ask his medical team what changes appeared between his earlier scans and the latest ones. Understanding exactly what they saw might help make sense of the sudden shift - from reflux and gall-bladder issues to this diagnosis.

    There is also some information from our website I wanted to share with you on bowel cancer as it covers the diagnosis process, staging, and treatment in clear, supportive language.

    Our nurses too, are here if you feel like having a chat with someone medically trained. They’re available Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm, on this phone number 0808 800 4040.

    Wishing you and your husband understanding, strength, and support as you move forward.

    All the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator