Colorectal Cancer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Colorectal cancer starts as a tumor (lump) in the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum are also called the large bowel. These are parts of the digestive system where stools are formed. Having a family history of colorectal cancer puts you at a higher risk of having the disease. Having certain diseases, such as polyps and ulcerative colitis, and eating a diet high in fat and low in fiber also puts you at a higher risk.
  
  
• At first you may have no signs and symptoms of the disease. Later, you may have bloody, black, or pencil-thin stools. You may also notice some changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea and constipation. You may have a colonoscopy, barium enema, and abdominal ultrasound to learn if you have colorectal cancer. Treatment may include anticancer medicines, radiation, and surgery. The chances of surviving colorectal cancer are better when it is found and treated as soon as possible.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• If you are having chemotherapy, it is important to take your medicine exactly as you are told.
  
  

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Eating well with cancer and cancer treatment:

Good nutrition can:

• help you feel better during treatment and decrease treatment side effects
  
  
• decrease your risk of infection
  
  
• help you have more energy and feel stronger
  
  
• help you maintain a healthy weight and heal faster

Eat a variety of healthy foods to get the protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients that your body needs. You may need to change the foods you eat depending on your treatments and side effects. You also may need to eat more calories than usual. Work with a dietitian to plan the best meals and snacks for you. Ask if you should add vitamins to your diet.

• Avoid foods or liquids that cause gas, such as cabbage, beans, onions, or soda.
  
  
• Side effects of treatment may include diarrhea (frequent, loose, watery stools) or constipation (hard, infrequent stools that are difficult to pass). Ask your caregiver for information about coping with these treatment side effects.

Drinking liquids:

Drink extra liquids to avoid dehydration (loss of body fluid). You will also need to replace fluid if you are vomiting or have diarrhea from cancer treatments. Ask your caregiver which liquids to drink and how much you need each day.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You are vomiting (throwing up) and cannot keep any food or liquids down.
  
  
• You cannot make it to your radiation or chemotherapy visit.
  
  
• You are having problems with your colostomy.
  
  
• Your pain is worse or does not go away after taking your pain medicine.
  
  
• You have blood in your stools.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your cancer, medicines, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Colorectal Cancer (Aftercare Instructions)