Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in the US and causes the second highest number of deaths in men and women combined, according to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. There are several types of therapy available for the treatment of this type of cancer, including surgery and radiation therapy. There are several short-term side effects associated with each type of treatment, but there are also some effects that are more long term.
Colostomy
For early stage colorectal cancers, surgery is typically the first treatment according to the American Cancer Society. Often the surgeons will have to remove a section of the colon and reattached the remaining ends. However, in some cases, the colon cannot be reattached right away--or sometimes ever--and one end of the colon has to be attached to a stoma, or opening in the skin of the abdomen, so that the bowel will continue to function. A colostomy bag is typically attached to the stoma to collect the waste matter. This is called a colostomy, and if it remains in place permanently, it would be a long-term effect of colon cancer.
Bladder Irritation
Radiation therapy for colon cancer can cause irritation of the bladder, which is generally a short-term side effect that resolves after the radiation therapy ends according to the American Cancer Society. For some patients, the bladder irritation may become a long-term side effect. The physician may be able to suggest ways to manage this condition.
Peripherial Nerve Problems
Most side effects caused by chemotherapy are temporary; however, some chemotherapy agents may cause long term side effects. One medication used to treat colorectal cancer called oxaliplatin may cause problems with peripheral nerves in the hands and feet which do not go away after treatment has ceased according to the American Cancer Society. Patients should let the treating physician know if tingling or numbness of the fingers and toes occurs during treatment so that decisions can be made about treatment.
Reproductive Issues
For men, certain types of colon cancer surgery may impact the sexual and reproductive systems according to the American Cancer Society. Men may not be able to have erections or to successfully achieve orgasm. Other patients may have retrograde ejaculation where the semen and sperm go into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This can cause infertility, but sometimes reproductive specialists can obtain sperm from the patient and use it for in vitro fertilization.
Long-Term Follow-Up Appointments
After being diagnosed and treated for colon cancer, a patient will need frequent follow-up tests to make sure that the colon cancer has not returned, as noted on the National Cancer Institute. These follow-ups may include blood tests like carcinoembryonic antigen or radiologic evaluations.
