Colon Cancer Nutrition (Cont.)

Before Colon Cancer Treatment Begins

When your colon cancer was first diagnosed, your doctor most likely discussed a colon cancer treatment plan with you. This may have involved surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or some combination of those treatments.
 
All of these colon cancer treatments kill cells. In the process of killing the cancer cells, some healthy cells are also damaged. That is what causes the side effects of cancer treatment. Side effects that can affect your ability to eat include:
 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in weight (either losing or gaining weight)
  • Sore mouth or throat
  • Dry mouth
  • Dental and gum problems
  • Changes in sense of taste or smell
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue and/or depression.
     
You may or may not experience any of these side effects. Many factors determine whether you will have any side effects and how severe they will be. These factors include:
 
  • The part of your body being treated
  • The type and length of treatment
  • The dose of treatment.
     
The good news is that if you do have side effects, they can often be controlled. Most side effects also go away after treatment for colon cancer ends. Your doctor or nurse can tell you more about your chances of having side effects and what they might be like.
 
(Colon Cancer Nutrition Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD