Colon cancer is a disease that affects many people every day. Colon cancer diagnoses and treatment depends on the stage in which the disease is discovered on a patient. Of course, every type of treatment has different side effects on the individual. So, the side effects of colon cancer treatment depend on the type of treatment and they can differ for each person. Usually they are temporary, but if they persist you must tell your doctor.



The most common treatment in colon cancer cases is the surgical removal of the tumor. The surgery has different effect on patients depending on their general health. One side effect of colon cancer surgery is the constant feeling of weakness and tiredness. Also, surgery sometimes can cause constipation or diarrhea.

Signs of bleeding, infections or other problems that require immediate treatment can appear after a surgical intervention. They usually happen immediately after the intervention and doctors can treat all complications. Other complications can regard the anesthesia or the skin irritation around the cut. Usually, after surgery patients experience general discomfort and some pain.

Another treatment applied in colon cancer cases, mostly when surgery is not possible is chemotherapy. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drugs administrated. They can include infections, bruise or bleed easily, and the patients can feel very weak and tired. Chemotherapy can also cause hair loss. Other effects include poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or mouth and lip sores. Most of them can be controlled by administrating other medicines.

Radiation therapy effects depend on the general health of the patient and the quantity of the radiation given. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, rectal leakage, or urinary discomfort can be caused. Also the skin in the treated area may become red, dry, and tender. Often, treatments cause chills or fever. Side effects can include fatigue, rectal irritation, sexual difficulties and bladder irritation as well as frequent urges to urinate. All these symptoms should go away when the treatment is finished, but if they persist consult your doctor.

Besides the effects that the disease treatment has on the body, colon cancer and its different types of treatment have many effects on the patient mental comfort. Just knowing that you suffer from cancer can be a huge knock.

People diagnosed with the disease start thinking about the influence colon cancer will have on their lifestyle, way of work or usual activities. The psychological effects of colon cancer include anxiety, a high level of depression or post traumatic stress disorder with very strong consequences on the individual. Treatments should take into account the effects of the disease on the mental health of their patients and recommend them solutions for eliminating the stress and anxiety.