Articles
Colon/Rectal/Anal Cancer
Colon cancer refers to cancer that starts in the large intestine.
The large intestine is involved in reabsorbing water from food wastage. Waste is then moved to the storage area called the rectum.
Rectal cancer is cancer beginning in the rectum. From the rectum, waste passes out of the body through the opening of the anus.
Anal cancer is cancer beginning in the anus.
These cancers are usually symptomless although there are some symptoms that can indicate cancer of one of these areas. Lower abdominal pain
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling like the bowel is not completely empty after going to the toilet
- Noticing a lump inside the anus
- Weight loss
Treatment
Treatment includes surgery, chemo and radiotherapy; usually in combination. There are a number of side effects of treatment in these areas, including fluid and electrolyte losses, malabsorption of vitamins, nausea and the possibility of obstructions. It is important to keep fluids up, and include electrolyte replacements such as sports drinks and liquid supplements such as Ensure or Sustagen. A multivitamin is also recommended. Liquid supplements and bland foods, for example crackers and plain pasta, will help alleviate nausea. Due to the risk of obstructions, it is recommended to avoid high residue foods such as nuts, seeds and the skins of fruits and vegetables. Other possible side effects of treatment require differing management strategies and should be discussed with the doctor and dietitian. If constipation is an issue, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and include prune juice. Eating a diet rich in fibres such as bran, oats and fruit and vegetables will also help. Constipation can often be so severe that a change in diet does not help in which case medication will be required. Conversely, a short term low fibre diet will help if diarrhoea is an issue. Drinking clear liquids and avoiding high fat foods, spicy foods and caffeine is also recommended if diarrhoea is a symptom. If suffering from excess gas, avoid cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, beans, garlic and onions as well as carbonated drinks. If lactose is an issue, it should be avoided.
Colostomy
Surgery for cancer of the colon/rectum/anus may require an entire section to be removed. If the two remaining ends cannot be joined a stoma will be made on the outside of the body to allow waste products to pass through into a bag. This is called a colostomy with a colostomy bag. A colostomy may be short term, while the lower section heals. However if the entire lower colon or rectum is removed the colostomy will be permanent. After colostomy placement a diet of clear fluid is followed for 2-3 days to allow healing. It will then progress to easily digested foods such as white bread toasted. It is then recommended to follow a normal diet, reducing only foods that lead to excess wind, gas or diarrhoea. Foods such as yoghurt with live cultures, parsley and cranberry juice can help reduce odour. Foods such as nuts, seeds and the skins of fruits and vegetables, very high fat or very high fibre foods and dairy may be avoided in an effort to make managing the colostomy easier. White bread, bananas, potatoes, pasta, cheese and well cooked white rice can help to thicken the colostomy contents and decrease unwanted odours. Excess water losses as well as increased sodium losses is common so it is recommended to increase intake of fluids and add salt to the diet. A dietitian will give you more specific advice on particular foods to avoid and how to ensure the easiest management of your colostomy.
Added to site on : Tuesday, 28 August 2012