There is no clinical data to show how long to live in the middle and late stages of rectal cancer, but the 5-year survival rate of most patients is between 50% and 78%. Rectal cancer is a common malignant tumor, most patients are asymptomatic in the early stage, and with the progress of the disease, they may have symptoms such as feeling of urgency and heaviness, mucous blood stools, and change of bowel habit. Generally speaking, the 5-year survival rate of patients with middle and late stage rectal cancer is between 50% and 78%, but there is no clinical data indicating the specific survival time. If patients with middle or late stage rectal cancer want to improve the survival rate, they should actively cooperate with doctors to evaluate the condition and remove the lesion through surgical methods such as total mesorectal excision, and radiotherapy and targeted therapy to destroy the cancer cells. For rectal cancer that forms obstruction and is inoperable, it can be treated by cauterization, laser, placing metal stent and so on. It is suggested that patients with middle and late stage of rectal cancer should adjust their mentality and keep their body and mind happy. Pay attention to the balanced intake of nutrients and do physical exercise appropriately. Patients should also go to the doctor for regular review so as to adjust the treatment plan according to the change of condition.