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COLON, RECTUM AND ANAL CANCERS

Colon, Rectum, and Anal Cancer is commonly treated with radiation therapy.  The technology we use and the number of treatments depends on how advanced the cancer is (stage) and what type of symptoms you have (if any).


If you or a loved one have been diagnosed withColon, Rectum, and Anal Cancer, click the link below to request a consultation with a Coastal Radiation Oncologist.

Typical Treatments

For information about the types of technology available through Coastal Radiation Oncology


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What To Expect

Once your doctors have determined that radiation therapy may be part of the treatment plan for your Colon, Rectum, and Anal Cancer, there will be a few steps to allow the radiation oncology team to begin treatment safely.


These include:

  • CT simulation

  • Treatment plan design (dosimetry)

  • Verification

  • Start of daily treatments

  • Weekly doctor visits with your radiation oncologist

Side Effects

Short term:

Side effects are usually temporary and usually go away shortly after treatment ends. Below is a list of possible side effects you might notice during your treatment.

More likely

  • Fatigue

  • Loose stools/diarrhea

  • Skin changes (mainly for anal cancers)

  • Frequent urination

  • Cramping

  • Reduced blood counts

  • Nausea/bloating sensation

Less likely

  • Itching

  • Skin redness

  • Hair loss in the treatment area

Long term:

After the short-term side effects of radiation therapy resolve, others may become noticeable months or years later.

More likely

  • Frequent bowel movements

  • Urgency of bowel movements

  • Loose stool/diarrhea

  • Increased urinary urgency

  • Blood in stool

  • Blood in urine

Less likely

  • Swelling of legs (if groin areas are treated)

  • Bone pain/joint stiffness

  • Second cancer formation (rare)

More Information

For more information about the diagnosis and treatment of Colon,Rectum, and Anal Cancers please visit the following websites:


RT Answers   
https://www.rtanswers.org/Cancer-Types/Colon,-Rectum-and-Anus-Cancers


American Cancer Society

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html


Cancer.Net
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer

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