Navigating the complexities of rectal cancer management: Shared decision-making and patient perspectives in critical choices.

Patients with rectal cancer now may face several potential pathways for treatment, including options to avoid major surgery, omit radiation, or maintain bowel continuity. In preference studies, clinicians often prioritize cancer outcomes, while many patients prefer to avoid an ostomy, surgery, or otherwise maintain quality of life. Treatment morbidity remains high, including major bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction, with variable effects on quality of life. Clinicians and patients should work together to incorporate quality of life goals when devising treatment plans. Future research into predictive tools, information needs and delivery, and optimal non-operative management surveillance strategies may make this process less complex for future patients and clinicians.