Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Colorectal cancer is one of the three most common types of cancer in Germany. Approximately 30% of these cancers are located in the rectum, corresponding to about 18 000 new cases per year. ⋯ The treatment of rectal cancer is a prime example of an interdisciplinary, multimodal approach. In the past, the focus was mainly on improving oncologic outcomes; at present, increasing attention is being devoted to the patients' quality of life as well and the functional aspects of the various modes of treatment.