Anterior resection syndrome is known to have a negative effect on quality of life. It is a multifactorial condition and is increased in patients have chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There are treatments available and also in development which may help patients. However in clinical practice, patients are not routinely asked about their functional outcome and the effect that these symptoms can have on patients' lives is often not discussed. The urgent need for further research into the longterm functional effects of treatments for cancer has been acknowledged by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative.