Colorectal cancer is any cancer that affects the rectum and colon. Obviously, the term ‘colorectal’ was taken from both colon and rectum. The medical condition is also known as rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bowel cancer. It is a serious medical condition because it is the third leading cause of death in men and second in women. Colorectal cancer can be malignant, non-cancerous, or benign. The malignant colorectal cancer is the worst as it spreads to other parts of the body fast.
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of colorectal cancer include the following:
• Having a lump in either the abdomen or back
• Experiencing continuous loss of weight
• Constant general tiredness
• Pain in the abdomen as a result of bloating
• Feeling full even on an empty stomach
• Blood in your feces
• Difficulty in the emptying of the bowel
• Constipation or diarrhea
However, it is not advisable to just jump into conclusion whenever you witness any of the symptoms because they could be a result of other conditions. When any of the symptoms persists for more than four weeks, you should see your doctor.
Treatment
While there are several treatments of colorectal cancer, one of the most effective one is the metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. As the name implies, it is the use of a combination of and for the treatment of cancer of the colon and rectum. is a drug that inhibits the growth of tumor cells by blocking the activity of EGFR (a receptor responsible for the growth of cancerous cells).
For patients being treated for colorectal cancer for the first time, is administered with Leucovorin, Fluorouracil, and Irinotecan. If after receiving Irinotecan the colon cancer still spreads, will be administered with another chemotherapy drug like Irinotecan or . For those who are intolerant to chemotherapy with Irinotecan or for those whose cancer could not be contained by the combination of Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin, is administered alone. Due to the fact that has side effects and contraindications, it is available by prescriptions only.
Before undergoing the metastatic colorectal cancer treatment, you must let your doctor know if you are on any medication whatsoever. Since it is possible for the drug to find its way into breast milk, you should not take it if you still suckle your baby. If you have taken it, you should wait until after 2 months of taking the last dose before you begin to breastfeed. Most importantly, you need to consult your doctor on it.
Pregnant women should stay away from the drug because it can affect the fetus. If possible, you should continue to avoid getting pregnant until up to 2 months of ceasing the treatment. You must also let your doctor know if you have had any heart disease or breathing/lung problems.
Since has its own side effects too, you must be sure to tell your doctor your full medical record and let him guide you in the administration of the treatment.
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Posted on May 5, 2023