Colon Cancer Treatment Side Effects: An Overview
Because treatment for cancer often damages healthy cells and tissues, unwanted side effects are common.
Colon cancer treatment side effects depend mainly on the type and extent of the treatment. The side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next. Before treatment starts, the healthcare team will explain possible
colon cancer treatment side effects and suggest ways to help the patient manage them.
Colon Cancer Treatment Side Effects: Surgery
It takes time to heal after surgery, and the time needed to recover is different for each person. Patients are often uncomfortable during the first few days after surgery. However, medicine can usually control their pain. Before surgery, patients should discuss the plan for pain relief with their doctor or nurse. After surgery, the doctor can adjust the plan if more pain relief is needed.
It is common to feel tired or weak for a while after surgery. Also, surgery sometimes causes
constipation or
diarrhea. The healthcare team will monitor the patient for signs of bleeding, infection, or other problems requiring immediate treatment.
People who have a colostomy may have irritation of the skin around the stoma. The doctor, nurse, or enterostomal therapist can teach patients how to clean the area and prevent irritation and infection.
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