Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah

Dr Suhirdan
Vivekanandarajah

Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist

Are you suffering from side effects caused by colorectal cancer treatment?

Learn about colorectal cancer treatment and how you can manage the side effects caused by the treatment.

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Schedule an appointment

Colorectal cancer is a disease where abnormal growths—referred to as polyps—form in the colon and rectum and turn into cancer.

The risk of getting colorectal cancer may increase as you grow old. 


In addition, the following lifestyle choices may also increase your risk of developing the condition:


  • Using tobacco

  • Consuming alcohol

  • Limiting physical activity

  • Being overweight and obese

  • Maintaining a low-fibre and high-fat diet

  • Maintaining a diet low in vegetables and fruits


If you are at risk, regular screening may increase your chances of receiving medical care at the right time for a good prognosis.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer

Symptoms don’t always appear in the early stages of the disease, making regular screening important to identify polyps and cancer at the right stage.

That said, some patients may experience symptoms like:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Change in bowel habits/movements
  • Persistent abdominal pain, cramps, or aches
  • Diarrhoea, constipation, or the feeling that your bowel doesn’t completely empty
Symptoms of colorectal cancer

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s advisable to speak to a physician. 


While these symptoms may not always be indicative of colorectal cancer, a proper diagnosis can help you receive the right treatment.

Screening and diagnosing colorectal cancer

Finding signs of colorectal cancer at the early stages of the disease can increase your chances of getting the right treatment.


Doctors generally recommend certain screening tests to diagnose the disease.


Your physician may recommend the following diagnostic tests to make a diagnosis if the screening tests show that there are signs of colorectal cancer:


Colonoscopy

Your physician will insert a long, slender tube with a camera at the end through your recturn to get a clear picture of your colon and the rectum. Should your physician find any suspicious areas they can pass surgical tools through the tube and get samples for additional testing.


Blood tests

Your physician may test your blood for a chemical—carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)—which is produced by colon cancer. Tracking this chemical over a period of time can help your doctor determine the state of your prognosis and whether the treatment is working.



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Colorectal cancer treatment

Depending on the stage of cancer, your physician may recommend minimally invasive or surgical procedures to treat the condition.


Early-stage colon cancer treatment


  • Removing polyps during colonoscopy

If the cancer is at the early stages, localised, and small, your physician may perform a colonoscopy to remove the polyps.


  • Endoscopic mucosal resection

This procedure removes a small portion of the inner lining of your colon that’s affected by malignant growth.


  • Laparoscopic surgery

Your doctor may make small incisions in your abdomen to insert tools to manipulate and remove cancer tissues.


Advanced stage colon cancer treatment


  • Partial colectomy

Involves removing a part of your colon that’s affected by cancer. In certain scenarios, your physician may be able to reconnect the healthy portions of the colon.


  • Ostomy

In case the healthy portions can’t be reconnected, your physician may create an opening in the abdominal wall to connect an external bag to collect waste.

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Managing the side effects of colorectal cancer treatment

Here are the five most common side effects of colorectal cancer treatment and how you can manage them:

Change in bowel habits

Change in bowel habits


Consume smaller and more frequent meals and drink plenty of fluids to ease constipation. If you are experiencing diarrhoea, foods such as bananas and mashed potatoes could help you.


Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting


Start off with bland foods. Avoid alcohol and caffeine until these side effects are reduced.


Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite


Smaller, more frequent meals can help. Consuming bland foods could also help you tolerate food if you’ve lost your appetite.

Fatigue

Fatigue


Do not engage in physical activity or exert yourself too much. Allow your body to regain its strength, and take it slow during your recovery period.

Numbness or tingling

Numbness or tingling


Tingling in the extremities or the inability to handle cold or hot temperatures is also known as peripheral neuropathy. Consuming foods that are at room temperature can help manage this.


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Consult a gastrointestinal specialist

Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah is a Sydney-based gastroenterologist and hepatologist.

A Sydney-based gastroenterologist and hepatologist, Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah specialises in providing high-quality medical care to his patients for improved digestive health.


Find out how you can improve your digestive health by scheduling a consultation today.