How much do you know about colorectal cancer?
It’s an important topic for us because many of our clients with an ostomy condition (in this case, “colostomy”) have been through this diagnosis. While it’s not as deadly as other forms of cancer, provided you catch it on time, it’s still a very serious illness. We’d like to share a synopsis of CRC, along with its relationship with the colostomy procedure.
CRC occurs when cancerous tumors develop around the rectum and/or colon. This is where healthy cells mutate into cancer, which can become life-threatening if left unchecked. This type of cancer has the potential to spread and overwhelm part or all of the rectum and colon, leading the patient to need surgery and other therapies.
Fortunately, there are ways to overcome CRC, thanks to modern medicine.
What are some of the common risk factors for CRC?
It’s also important to know the most typical symptoms for CRC. Those include bloody stool, sudden and unexplained weight loss, abdominal cramps, and constipation. You should contact your personal care provider or physician if you experience these symptoms for any considerable length of time.
The treatment options for CRC most often include Radiation Therapy, Surgery, and/or Chemotherapy.
Your provider will choose the best approach after considering the cancer’s location and severity, especially regarding its likelihood of spreading. The toughest CRC cases may need chemo or radiation to eliminate the problem.
Surgery involves removing all tumorous growths, something that may lead a patient to require a colostomy. If surgery removes parts of the colon or bowel, the colostomy procedure will redirect the large intestine to an opening created in the lower abdomen. Through this new “stoma,” patients will have a new pathway for passing stool, since they can no longer use their colon/rectum (either on a temporary or permanent basis).
If you’ve recently undergone a colostomy (or any other ostomy), then proper stoma care is essential for healthy living. Your doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers will show you how to select, equip, and utilize effective ostomy pouches, bags, and other tools as you make this adjustment.
For the most effective ostomy pouches and accessories, please consider the proven resources from Fortis Medical Products. You can learn why we offer the best ostomy care solutions, including ones for colorectal cancer patients, by contacting us anytime at 855-550-2600.