Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer

Chemotherapy refers to certain types of medicines or drugs for the treatment of cancer. Cancer is a group of cells that divide quickly and show uncontrollable growth. Chemotherapy acts by killing these cells and research shows that because of it, many people with cancer can live full, healthy lives. A cancer patient may undergo chemotherapy by simply swallowing a pill, taking a flu shot, or taking injections right into the veins through a needle or tiny plastic tube. Depending on the type of cancer, patients are given 'chemo' once a day, once a week, or even once a month. The duration of treatment depends on the type of cancer and the patient's response to the drugs. Unfortunately, there are some side effects of chemotherapy.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the condition of having frequent loose or liquid bowel movements and is a common side effect seen in the patients undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. Diarrhea may result in dehydration and significant loss of salts, electrolytes, and other nutrients. Patients with this particular side effect should drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, in order to prevent dehydration. The condition can also be managed by taking anti-diarrheal medications on the prescription of a doctor. Diarrhea can sometimes lead to a very serious condition and it may become necessary to reduce the dose of chemotherapy.

Mouth Ulcers: Mouth ulcer is an open sore inside the mouth caused by a break in the mucous membrane. It is also one of the side effects for the patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. It is important for the patients to get into the habit of rinsing their mouth with sterile water or a mouth rinse, in order to cure these ulcers. They should also avoid hot and spicy food which might irritate the mouth and consume Popsicles or soft cold foods instead.

Drop in Blood Cell Count: During chemotherapy treatment, cells in the bone marrow, digestive tract and hair follicles that divide rapidly under normal circumstances, are also harmed. This may result in myelosuppression or decreased production of blood cells, and is a common side effect seen in the patients on this treatment. The effect of chemotherapy on blood cell count depends on the dose and schedule of the medication. A low hemoglobin count, which results in anemia can also be caused by the effect of the treatment, making the patient feel tired or short of breath. There is also a chance of low platelet count, which may lead to easy bruising and bleeding.

Eye Problems: There are some eye problems which have been reported by the patients, as a side effect of the chemotherapy treatment. These temporary problems may include gritty or watery eyes, which can be treated with lubricating drops like normal saline.

Brittle Nails: Nails of the patient may become dark, brittle and chipped during the treatment. However, these are temporary changes and grow out when the treatment stops.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea is the sensation of unease and discomfort in the stomach, with an urge to vomit. It is a less common side effect of chemotherapy for colon cancer and there are several types of medications available to treat nausea and vomiting. It is advisable for the patients to stick to a bland diet when feeling sick and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Rash or Itchy Skin: As a side effect, the skin of patients undergoing chemotherapy may also darken and they may develop a skin rash or itchy sensation. The darkened area is seen particularly around the veins where chemotherapy is given. These effects are also temporary in nature but while undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the patient may become sensitive to sunlight. Hence, it is advisable to use sunscreen and avoid sun exposure.

Besides the ones mentioned above, temporary hair loss, thinning hair and temporary bruising are also seen as the less common side effects of chemotherapy for colon cancer.