Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. These can be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer depending on the location. Most colorectal cancers begin as an abnormal growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, also known as a polyp. Polyps can change into cancer over time, but not all cases become cancerous. Colorectal cancer spreads when a polyp grows into the wall of the colon or rectum over time. The wall of the colon and rectum is formed by multiple layers, however, colorectal cancer starts in the innermost layer and grows outward.
According to the American Cancer Society, if you exclude skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. However, due to early screening options and changes in lifestyle-related risk factors, the rate of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer each year has dropped overall since the mid-1980s.
At South Georgia Center for Cancer Care, we understand how hard it can be to choose the perfect team for the treatment of colorectal cancer. It’s important to have the very latest treatment options with highly trained professionals in a comfortable and caring setting, close to your home. You deserve exceptional and compassionate care and South Georgia Center for Cancer Care will be an integral part of your journey to survivorship.
Possible side effects of colorectal radiation therapy:
- Skin irritation at the site where radiation beams were aimed, which can range from redness to blistering and peeling
- Problems with wound healing if radiation was given before surgery
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rectal irritation, which can cause diarrhea, painful bowel movements, or blood in the stool
- Bowel incontinence (stool leakage)
- Bladder irritation, which can cause problems like feeling like you must go often (called frequency), burning or pain while urinating, or blood in the urine
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Sexual problems (erection issues in men and vaginal irritation in women)
- Scarring, fibrosis (stiffening), and adhesions that cause the tissues in the treated area to stick to each other