Colorectal Cancer Overview

Colonoscopy

Gold standard screening for colorectal cancer, recommended at age 45

Oxaliplatin

Adjuvant chemotherapy drug for colorectal cancer, alkylating agent

Colorectal Cancer

Cancer affecting the colon and/or rectum, 3rd most common in the US

Adenocarcinomas

Cancer type starting as polyps, often in rectum or sigmoid colon

Lifespan Considerations

Challenges in older adults, related to age, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)

Chemotherapy drug for colorectal cancer, anti-metabolite with toxic GI effects

TNM Staging

Describes tumor (T), lymph nodes (N), and distant metastasis (M)

Fulgration Procedure

Electrocoagulation to reduce tumor size, used for poor surgical risk patients

Risk Factors

Include age, family history, lifestyle, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease

Nursing Interventions

Include prepping for surgery, emotional support, wound care, and ostomy management

Phantom Pain

Pain sensation from severed nerves during surgery, common in rectal cancer

Chemotherapy

Primary treatment for non-resectable colorectal cancer, may follow resection

American Cancer Society

Recommends regular screenings starting at age 50, earlier for high-risk patients

Ostomy

Surgical opening in the body for waste elimination, may be temporary or permanent

Sexual Dysfunction

Risk due to nerve and blood vessel disruption during surgery, affecting genitals

Prevention Strategies

Screening tests like colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and lifestyle changes

Anaphylaxis

Severe allergic reaction, monitored during chemotherapy with pre-medication

Polyps

Small vascular growths on bowel's mucosal surface, can be precancerous

Metastasis

Spread of cancer cells to distant organs via lymphatic or circulatory system

Radiation Therapy

Used post-op, as adjuvant or palliative therapy for metastasis

Symptoms

Varied from early changes in bowel habits to late abdominal pain and obstruction