There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for radiation proctitis. However recent studies shows that the impairment of the rectum’s ability to heal may predispose other organs, exposed to the radiation, at high risk of malignant transformation so it has been suggested that patients exposed to higher doses of radiation may need to be more closely screened for other malignancies but further studies need to be conducted before definitive recommendations can be made. The risk of second cancer after irradiation, although probably small, needs nevertheless to be carefully monitored.

• There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for radiation proctitis. However recent studies shows that the impairment of the rectum’s ability to heal may predispose other organs, exposed to the radiation, at high risk of malignant transformation so it has been suggested that patients exposed to radiation may need to be more closely screened for other malignancies but further studies need to be conducted before definitive recommendations can be made.^[1]The risk of second cancer after irradiation, although probably small, needs nevertheless to be carefully monitored.^[2]

• The latency period between radiation exposure and development of a radiation- induced cancer is at least 5 years and persist for >40 years after irradiation. For this reason it is important for anyone who has received pelvic radiation to have long-term surveillance with either a colonoscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy starting 5 years after completion of radiation therapy.^[2][3]