Rectal Cancer Treatment
Rectal cancer is a serious condition — but with early detection and expert care, it is very much treatable. Choosing the right cancer doctor is the first and most important step towards recovery.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud is a highly experienced Surgical Oncologist in Pune with over 15+ years of expertise in treating colorectal cancers, including rectal cancer. He practises at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune, and is one of the most trusted Cancer Specialists in Pune and PCMC. Patients from across Maharashtra choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Rectal Cancer Treatment in Pune because of his surgical precision, advanced techniques, and compassionate patient care.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud has been awarded the Best Oral Paper at the Indian Society of Oncology (ISO) 2019 at Indore and the Best Poster Award at ISO-ISMPO 2019. He has published oncosurgical articles and operative videos in reputed national journals and participated in over 20 national conferences. Awarded the prestigious JRD Tata Scholarship during his MBBS, Dr. Chirag Bhirud brings both academic distinction and hands-on surgical expertise to every patient.
With a 95% success rate and 10,000+ patients treated, Dr. Chirag Bhirud delivers world-class, patient-focused cancer treatment at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune
What Is Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer begins in the rectum — the last several centimetres of the large intestine, just before the anus. It is closely related to colon cancer, and together they are referred to as colorectal cancer.
Rectal cancer usually develops slowly over several years. It often begins as a small, non-cancerous growth called a polyp on the inner lining of the rectum. Over time, some polyps can turn cancerous if not removed.
Because of its location deep in the pelvis, rectal cancer requires specialised surgical expertise. Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a skilled Cancer Surgeon in Pune, has extensive experience in performing complex rectal cancer surgeries with precision and care.
What are the Symptoms of Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer may not cause symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, the following signs may appear:
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Change in bowel habits — persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Narrow or ribbon-like stools
- Persistent abdominal discomfort — cramps, gas, or pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- A lump or mass felt in the rectal area
Do not ignore these symptoms. Early consultation with Dr. Chirag Bhirud — a trusted rectal doctor and Cancer Specialist in Pune — can lead to timely diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
What are the Causes of Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer develops when cells in the rectum undergo abnormal DNA changes and multiply uncontrollably. The main contributing causes include:
- Pre-existing polyps in the rectum or colon that turn cancerous
- Inherited gene mutations — such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Chronic inflammation due to ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Diet high in red meat, processed foods, and low in fibre
- Sedentary lifestyle and obesity
- Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol consumption
- Previous radiation therapy to the pelvic area
Understanding the causes helps in making lifestyle changes that lower the risk of developing rectal cancer.
Who is at Risk for Rectal Cancer?
Certain individuals have a higher risk of developing rectal cancer. You may be at risk if you:
- Are above 50 years of age
- Have a personal or family history of rectal or colon cancer
- Have been previously diagnosed with colorectal polyps
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Carry inherited gene mutations linked to colorectal cancer
- Follow a diet low in fibre and high in processed or red meat
- Are overweight, obese, or physically inactive
- Smoke or consume alcohol regularly
If you belong to any of these groups, Dr. Chirag Bhirud — a leading Cancer Specialist in PCMC and Pune — strongly recommends regular colorectal screening for early detection.
How We Diagnose Rectal Cancer?
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective rectal cancer treatment. Dr. Chirag Bhirud uses the following advanced diagnostic methods at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune:
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) — a simple physical examination to feel any abnormal growths
- Colonoscopy — the gold standard test to visualise the rectum and colon and detect polyps or tumours
- Biopsy — tissue sample taken during colonoscopy to confirm cancer
- MRI of the Pelvis — the most important scan for rectal cancer staging and surgical planning
- CT Scan of the Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis — to check if cancer has spread
- PET Scan — to detect metastasis in distant organs
- Endorectal Ultrasound (ERUS) — to assess the depth of tumour invasion
- Blood tests — including CEA tumour marker levels
A thorough and accurate diagnosis helps Dr. Chirag Bhirud plan the most effective, personalised rectal cancer treatment for each patient.
Staging Matters: Here’s Why?
Cancer staging tells us how advanced the disease is:
- In early stages (0 or I), the tumor is small and hasn’t spread.
- Stage II or III may involve nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- Stage IV means the cancer has spread to other organs, like the liver or lungs.
We use this information to recommend the safest and most effective treatment—whether that’s surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination.
Rectal Cancer Treatment Options:
The treatment of rectal cancer depends on the stage, size, and location of the tumour, as well as the patient’s overall health. As a skilled Cancer Surgeon in Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud creates an individualised treatment plan for every patient.
- Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for rectal cancer. Dr. Chirag Bhirud specialises in:
- Low Anterior Resection (LAR) — removal of the upper and middle rectum while preserving normal bowel function
- Abdominoperineal Resection (APR) — removal of the rectum and anus for low-lying tumours; a colostomy is created
- Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) — minimally invasive removal of early-stage rectal tumours
- Robotic-Assisted Rectal Surgery — provides superior precision in the narrow pelvic space with faster recovery
- Laparoscopic Rectal Surgery — minimally invasive approach for reduced pain and shorter hospital stay
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is commonly used for rectal cancer before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumour and reduce the risk of recurrence. It may also be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is often combined with radiation (chemoradiation) before rectal cancer surgery to improve outcomes. It may also be given after surgery as adjuvant therapy. Common drugs include Capecitabine, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), and FOLFOX.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs specifically attack proteins or gene mutations that help cancer cells grow. Bevacizumab and Cetuximab are commonly used targeted therapy options for advanced rectal cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is used for rectal cancers with specific genetic markers such as MSI-H (Microsatellite Instability-High) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). It helps the immune system recognise and destroy cancer cells.
- Watch and Wait Approach: For selected patients who show a complete clinical response after chemoradiation, Dr. Chirag Bhirud may recommend a non-surgical ‘watch and wait’ strategy with very close monitoring — avoiding the need for immediate surgery.
Managing Side Effects and Quality of Life:
We understand that cancer treatment affects more than your body—it impacts your energy, emotions, and lifestyle. That’s why we offer holistic support including:
- Nutritional counseling
- Physiotherapy and pelvic health rehabilitation
- Counseling and emotional support
Our goal is to help you maintain your dignity, strength, and well-being throughout treatment and recovery.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips After Rectal Cancer Surgery
Recovery after rectal cancer surgery depends greatly on diet and lifestyle changes. Dr. Chirag Bhirud advises all his patients to follow these healthy habits:
- Eat small, frequent meals — 5 to 6 times a day for better digestion
- Choose high-fibre foods — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lentils
- Stay well hydrated — drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily
- Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods
- Limit red meat and alcohol completely
- Quit smoking — it increases the risk of cancer recurrence
- Begin light physical activity as advised — walking is a great starting point
- Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or counselling
- Never miss your follow-up appointments and routine scans
A healthy post-surgery lifestyle is just as important as the surgery itself. It significantly reduces the chances of rectal cancer returning.
How Much Does Rectal Cancer Treatment Cost in Pune?
The cost of rectal cancer treatment in Pune varies depending on several factors:
- Stage and location of the tumour within the rectum
- Type of surgery — robotic, laparoscopic, or open
- Whether chemoradiation is needed before or after surgery
- Duration of hospital stay and ICU care if required
- Post-operative medicines, stoma care, and follow-up tests
At Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune, Dr. Chirag Bhirud ensures every patient receives world-class rectal cancer treatment at transparent, reasonable costs. Our team assists with health insurance claims and documentation to make the process as smooth as possible.
For a personalised cost estimate, please book a consultation with Dr. Chirag Bhirud today.
Why Choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Rectal Cancer Treatment in Pune?
Rectal cancer surgery demands exceptional precision and experience because of the complex anatomy of the pelvic region. Dr. Chirag Bhirud is one of the most trusted Cancer Surgeons in Pune for rectal cancer. Here is why patients choose him:
- 15+ years of experience as a Surgical Oncologist in Pune
- Expert in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery
- Specialised in sphincter-preserving techniques to maintain bowel function
- 95% success rate with 10,000+ patients treated
- Award winner — Best Oral Paper (ISO 2019) and Best Poster (ISO-ISMPO 2019)
- Published oncosurgical researcher with 20+ national conference participations
- Compassionate, patient-first approach at every stage of cancer treatment
- Available 24 hours at Jupiter Hospital, Baner-Balewadi Road, Pune
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) :
In many cases, fertility can be preserved—but it depends on the treatment type. Speak to your oncologist early about fertility preservation options.
This varies by the surgery type and your recovery. Many patients return to light work in 4–6 weeks, with full recovery in a few months.
Not always. Dr. Chirag Bhirud specialises in sphincter-preserving surgeries such as Low Anterior Resection (LAR), which avoids the need for a permanent colostomy in most cases. A temporary stoma may be created and reversed after recovery. Each case is evaluated individually.
Follow-up care, a healthy lifestyle, regular screenings, and staying in touch with your specialist all help reduce recurrence risk.
Yes, especially if you’re under 50 or have a family history. Genetic testing helps guide treatment and identify if others in your family may be at risk.
You can book an appointment by calling +91 70283 73574, emailing bhirudcancercare@gmail.com, or visiting www.drchiragbhirud.com. The clinic is at 1st Floor, OPD 4, Jupiter Hospital, Baner-Balewadi Road, near Prathamesh Park, Pune – 411069. Open 24 hours.