Undergoing treatment for colon cancer is a frightening and stressful event. In addition to concerns about how effective treatment will be, you may be worried about coping with side effects — problems caused by the cancer itself or that result in addition to the intended effects of treatment.
Here’s what you should know: Not all colorectal cancer patients experience side effects and, for those who do, most only suffer mild symptoms. Today’s cancer treatments are not as severe and toxic as they used to be. Most importantly, however, you should know that managing side effects is a critical component of any cancer treatment plan.
Before starting treatment, talk to your health care team about what to expect and how you will manage side effects. Once treatment is underway, be direct and honest about what you’re experiencing. You don’t need to tough symptoms out and suffer unnecessarily. Not only can your health care team ease your discomfort and improve the quality of your life, talking about pain or other side effects will help your doctor understand how your colorectal cancer — and the treatment — are affecting your body.
Here are a few of the most common side effects of colon cancer treatments.
[See: 8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Colon Cancer.]
Gastrointestinal problems. Gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea and vomiting, are a common side effect of both cancer treatment — especially chemotherapy — and pain medications. “Most people don’t have significant nausea, and if they do, we have really good anti-nausea medications now,” says Dr. Randolph Hecht, director of the UCLA Gastrointestinal Oncology Program and member of UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. “[Nausea] shouldn’t be a problem.”
Diarrhea is also a common side effect patients experience during colon cancer therapies, says Dr. Sreeram Maddipatla, medical oncologist/hematologist for the Liver Center and Pancreas Center at UF Health Cancer Center — Orlando Health. Fortunately, anti-diarrheal products, such as Imodium, usually work well.
Taking steps to avoid nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and treating them promptly, will help prevent malnutrition (not getting enough calories or appropriate nutrition) and dehydration. “It’s important to drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes if you are having side effects,” Maddipatla says. “Limit caffeinated drinks, which will make you more dehydrated, and sugary drinks, which will make you urinate a lot and [can lead to] dehydration.”
Chemotherapy and pain medications can also cause constipation. When you’re constipated, you don’t move your bowels often, and your stools tend to be hard and difficult to pass. The first step to relieving constipation is to increase the fiber in your diet, Maddipatla says, either through food or supplements if food is not enough. Over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners, which absorb fluid in the colon, may help. “If your constipation is serious, we can use prescription medications,” Maddipatla says.
[See: What to Eat, Drink and Do to Relieve Constipation.]
Pain. Pain may be the most worrisome side effect for colorectal cancer patients. Cancer-related pain can vary depending on your age, type and stage of cancer, and treatment.
Pain can come from the tumor itself, for example, when it presses on nearby nerves or bone, or from your treatment. Having cancer does not automatically mean a patient will have pain.
Keep detailed pain records — where it hurt, how it felt, how long it lasted and what made it better or worse, and share this information with your doctor. The best way to manage pain is to prevent it from starting or keep it from getting worse, according to the National Cancer Institute. Pain is easier to control when it’s mild, so tell your doctor as soon as you start to have symptoms.
Hair loss. Losing your hair can be demoralizing and may be the most visible sign that you’re sick. Some colorectal cancer patients deal with hair loss by cutting or shaving their head before they begin to lose hair. Whether you chose to wear a wig or headscarf or to leave your head exposed, take care of your scalp and protect it from the sun. Take comfort knowing your hair will grow back after treatment ends, and don’t be surprised if it grows back a different color or texture.
[See: 10 Ways to Prepare for Surgery.]
Neuropathy. Some forms of colorectal cancer treatment can harm your nerves. You can’t undo neural damage, so you must let your doctor know right away if you’re experiencing pain, even if it’s very mild when it starts, Maddipatla says. “We can make [treatment] dose adjustments [if needed]. It could get worse quickly and could become permanent. If you have some neuropathy, it’s fine. But if it’s not going away between treatments, we need [to address it].”
Other common cancer-related side effects include skin issues, mouth sores and tearing in the eyes. Some of the newer immunotherapy drugs can cause serious, unrelated health problems.
Remember, there are many ways to manage colorectal cancer-related side effects, so always tell your health care team about all your symptoms.
More from U.S. News
6 Options for People Who Don’t Want a Colonoscopy
8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Colon Cancer
16 Health Screenings All Women Need
Coping With Colon Cancer Treatment Side Effects originally appeared on usnews.com
