Colon and Rectum Cancer : Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Part 2

by National Cancer Institute

(Page 5 of 5)

Radiation Therapy

The side effects of radiation therapy depend mainly on the amount of radiation given and the part of the body that is treated. Radiation therapy to the abdomen and pelvis may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, rectal leakage, or urinary discomfort. In addition, the skin in the treated area may become red, dry, and tender.

Patients are likely to become very tired during radiation therapy, especially in the later weeks of treatment. Resting is important, but doctors usually advise patients to try to stay as active as they can.

Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be distressing, the doctor can usually treat or control them.

Nutrition

It is important to eat well during cancer treatment. Eating well means getting enough calories to maintain a good weight and enough protein to keep up strength. Good nutrition often helps people with cancer feel better and have more energy.

But eating well can be difficult. Patients may not feel like eating if they are uncomfortable or tired. Also, the side effects of treatment, such as poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores, can be a problem. Some people find that foods do not taste as good during cancer therapy.

The doctor, dietitian, or other health care provider can suggest ways to maintain a healthy diet. Patients and their families may want to read the National Cancer Institute booklet Eating Hints for Cancer Patients 11, which contains many useful ideas and recipes.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is an important part of cancer care. The health care team makes every effort to help the patient return to normal activities as soon as possible.

A person with a stoma needs to learn to care for it. Doctors, nurses, and enterostomal therapists can help. Often, enterostomal therapists visit the person before surgery to discuss what to expect. They teach the person how to care for the stoma after surgery. They talk about lifestyle issues, including emotional, physical, and sexual concerns. Often they can provide information about resources and support groups.

Follow-up Care

Follow-up care after treatment for colorectal cancer is important. Even when the cancer seems to have been completely removed or destroyed, the disease sometimes returns because undetected cancer cells remained somewhere in the body after treatment. The doctor monitors the person's recovery and checks for recurrence of the cancer. Checkups help ensure that any changes in health are noted. Checkups may include a physical exam (including a digital rectal exam), lab tests (including fecal occult blood test and CEA test), colonoscopy, x-rays, CT scans, or other tests. Between scheduled visits with the doctor, patients should contact the doctor as soon as any health problems appear.

Support for People with Colorectal Cancer

Living with a serious disease such as colorectal cancer is not easy. People may worry about caring for their families, keeping their jobs, or continuing daily activities. Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care team can answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful to those who want to talk about their feelings or discuss their concerns. Often, a social worker can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, or emotional support.

Support groups also can help. In these groups, patients or their family members meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned about coping with the disease and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet. Patients may want to talk with a member of their health care team about finding a support group.

The Promise of Cancer Research

Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials (research studies in which people volunteer to take part). Doctors are studying new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat colorectal cancer.

Clinical trials are designed to answer important questions and to find out whether the new approach is safe and effective. Research already has led to advances in these areas, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches.

People who join clinical trials may be among the first to benefit if a new approach is shown to be effective. And if participants do not benefit directly, they still make an important contribution to medicine by helping doctors learn more about the disease and how to control it. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers do all they can to protect their patients.

Research on Prevention

Recent studies suggest that certain drugs may help prevent colorectal cancer. Researchers are studying aspirin, celecoxib, and other drugs in people with a higher-than-average chance of developing this disease.

Research on Screening and Diagnosis

Researchers are testing new ways to check for polyps and colorectal cancer. One study is looking at the usefulness of virtual colonoscopy. This is a CT scan of the colon. Another study is using genetic testing to check stool samples for colorectal cancer cells.

Research on Treatment

Researchers are studying chemotherapy, biological therapy, and combinations of treatments:

Chemotherapy: Researchers are testing new anticancer drugs and drug combinations. They also are studying combinations of drugs and radiation therapy before and after surgery.

Biological therapy: New biological approaches also are under study. Biological therapy uses the body's natural ability (immune system) to fight cancer. For example, researchers are studying treatment with monoclonal antibodies after surgery or with chemotherapy. A monoclonal antibody is a substance made in the laboratory that can bind to cancer cells. It can help kill cancer cells.

About the Author

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The National Cancer Institute's research programs are extensive and contain many innovative initiatives. I invite you to explore our Web site to find out more about the exciting work being conducted here at NCI and by NCI-supported scientists throughout the country.