Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a mixture of anticancer drugs given orally or by injection. Studies have shown that chemotherapy after surgery can increase the survival rate for patients during the early stages of colorectal cancer. It can also help relieve the symptoms of advanced cancer.

While chemotherapy kills cancer cells, the drugs can also damage some normal cells, which, in turn, can cause side effects. The side effects will depend on the type of drugs you are taking, your dosage, and the length of time you are on the medication. Side effects may include:

• Upset stomach and vomiting (you will be given anti-nausea drugs)
• Change in appetite
• Temporary loss of hair
• Mouth or vaginal sores
• Increased chance of infection
• Extreme tiredness
• Changes in your menstrual cycle
• Premature menopause
• Infertility

Most of the side effects (except for menopause and infertility) will go away when the treatment is over.

Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the drug most often used to treat colon cancer. It is usually given together with other drugs, such as Leucovorin, to increase its effectiveness.

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