The colon, also known as the large intestine, is responsible for absorbing some nutrients and water from your fecal material. Colon cancer arises when cells in the colon begin to divide too rapidly and invade the surrounding tissue. Eating a proper diet and maintaining nutrition is an important part of treating and dealing with colon cancer.
Obstacles
Colon cancer is typically treated with surgery. Depending on the stage of the cancer, chemotherapy may follow. If the tumor is very large, radiation may also be required. Chemotherapy and radiation kill cells, including some of the healthy cells, in your colon; they can cause side effects that make eating enough difficult. Some side effects of colon cancer treatment include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, sore throat, dry mouth, changes in taste or smell, fatigue, depression and diarrhea/constipation. A proper diet after colon cancer aims to overcome these obstacles to ensure that the patient gets all of the nutrients needed to aid in recovery.
Dietary Recommendations
If you are being treated for colon cancer, you may find it easier to eat several small meals each day rather than 2 or 3 large meals. Good dietary habits can have an impact on your energy and well-being, so try to eat 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day. You should minimize or eliminate bologna, bacon, hot dogs and other processed meats altogether.
Supplements
Supplements can also help you stay healthy after being treated for colon cancer. A daily multivitamin can help prevent vitamin deficiencies that can weaken your body. Probiotic supplements, which contain bacteria which maintain intestinal health, may help prevent the recurrence of colon tumors after surgery. There are a number of different herbs, such as Maitake mushroom, tumeric extract, Reishi mushroom and green tea, which may benefit your health, although you should talk to your doctor before taking these supplements as they can interfere with your treatment, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Colostomy and Colectomy
Typically, the surgeon reconnects healthy portions of the colon or rectum after removing the cancerous tumor. However, if he cannot reconnect them, a temporary or permanent opening is made in the wall of the abdomen to allow for waste material to leave the body. This procedure is called a colostomy, or colectomy. Following a colostomy, you will need to avoid raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains and very sweet foods, ColonCancerResource.com states. In some cases, you will be put on a special low-fiber diet known as a low residue diet, which will reduce the strain on your digestive tract as it recovers from the procedure.
