Backache is a very common problem and has many causes other than cancer. So, often back pain after bowel cancer treatment is not a sign that the cancer has returned.

Occasionally backache can be caused by bowel cancer coming back. This can happen for one of two reasons. Cells from the tumour that couldn't be detected, and weren't removed by the original surgery may have grown back. If this happens it is called a local recurrence. Alternatively, bowel cancer cells may spread to the bone and form secondary cancers causing back pain. But, this is very uncommon in colon cancer.

If you develop backache after bowel cancer treatment it is important to see your doctor to make sure that it's not related to the colon cancer. Both for your own peace of mind and to get treatment to make things better.