Rectal cancer

If your physician suspects rectal cancer, you may wonder what exactly is wrong, and what your treatment options are. The Netherlands Cancer Institute offers rapid diagnostics for an increasing number of tumor types such as rectal cancer. If possible, all diagnostic tests required to diagnose you will take place on the same day.

Multidisciplinary team meeting

Your results will be discussed during a multidisciplinary team meeting involving all specialists (from our Gastrointestinal, Radiology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Oncology departments) involved in diagnosing and treating rectal cancer. You will receive your results, as well as a preliminary treatment plan, directly after.

What to expect

Once your registration by your general practitioner or practicing physician is complete, you will be contacted by the Netherlands Cancer Institute’s clinical planning department. They will let you know whether rapid diagnostics is an option for you, and can tell you more about the process.

Bring a loved one

Rapid diagnostics is a demanding process and can be exhausting. You will undergo various diagnostics tests and have scheduled consultations with many physicians during the day, and waiting times may be long. We expect any patient undergoing our Rapid Diagnostics to be physically able to handle such a day. We also recommend bringing a loved one for support.

Preparations and tests

You will receive a letter from our planning department, containing information about what to bring to your consultation. Please read this letter carefully and fill out the questionnaire(s), if applicable. This can help you feel more prepared for your consultations, and will allow you to come up with questions before your visit.

Diagnostic tests

Depending on your personal situation, you can expect the following tests during rapid diagnostics for (suspected) rectal cancer: a colonoscopy, MRI scan and/or CT scan. You may need to come in for additional tests at a later day. Some people will receive their definite treatment plan during an additional consultation.