Colorectal Cancer Information
Managing the Impact of Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Immediate and long-term complications that occur after surgical treatment for colorectal cancer can include pain, infection, scarring, adhesions, and fecal incontinence. Managing an ostomy may also be a new part of your life after surgery.
Surviving – Even Thriving – with an Ostomy
by Dorothy Doughty, MN, RN, CWOCN, FAAN
Coping with a cancer diagnosis is a huge challenge for anyone – but if your cancer involved the bladder, rectum, or cervix, you may also be coping with an ostomy. An ostomy is an opening on the abdominal wall that provides for elimination of stool or urine. A person with an ostomy must wear a pouch to collect the stool or urine.
Ostomy Awareness Day – July 31, 2011
by United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc.
Since the formation of the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) in 2005, thousands of Americans of all ages and walks of life, who have availed themselves of the life-saving benefits of bowel and urinary diversions, such as colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies, have been helped. On Ostomy Awareness Day, we are spreading awareness and increasing national visibility of those living with ostomies. We will break the silence and shine a positive light on what has saved so many lives.
Advances in Colorectal Cancer Research, Treatment and Prevention
The National Cancer Institute has published Colorectal Cancer Advances In Focus, a fact sheet collection designed to highlight the remarkable progress made in prostate cancer research, treatment, supportive care, survivorship, screening, prevention, and genetics since the National Cancer Act was signed into law in 1971. The fact sheet shows the progress made during the past 3 ½ decades against prostate cancer. The ultimate goal of reducing the burden of cancer in the USA and worldwide can only be accomplished through a strong commitment to further research.
Summertime Tips for People with Ostomies
by Jan Colwell, RN, MS, CWOCN, FAAN
As summer sets in, the weather becomes warmer, the sun a bit hotter, and we may look forward to participation in sports, such as swimming, cycling, tennis, and traveling. However, people with ostomies may have some concerns about participating in summer activities. Some people may worry that the pouch seal may become compromised when they sweat or are physically active. You may need to make some minor changes to ensure that your pouch seal will remain intact, but having an ostomy should not prevent you from participating in the summer activities you enjoy.
Knocking Out the Side Effects of Colorectal Cancer Treatment
by Laura D. Porter, MD
In January 2003, I was 42 and completing my first year of my pediatric residency. My life was extremely busy; I was working 80 to 120 hours a week. When I first complained of being tired, it was attributed to my age and work schedule. Over the next eight months, my symptoms worsened; I became anemic and had blood in my stool.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment Update
Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women. The importance of colorectal cancer screening has made headlines for many years, raising awareness and leading to higher rates of colonoscopies from 2000 through 2008. This increase in screening levels has played a significant role in decreasing colorectal cancer mortality. Along with screening, advances in colorectal cancer treatment have played a pivotal role in reducing mortality rates.
Adapting to Life with an Ostomy
by Molly Pierce RN, ET, CWOCN
Survivors of colon cancer may have a portion of their colon or their rectum removed, resulting in an ostomy. How the ostomy is made determines the name of it.
