Cancer that affects the colon is called colon cancer whereas cancer that affects the rectum is called rectal cancer. They may also be called AS colorectal cancer if either of the organs is affected. When some cells that line the colon or the rectum grow out of control or become abnormal, it gives rise to colorectal cancer. These growing cells form a tumor, which is called cancer. Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer can be given in a variety of ways and situations. The stage and type of cancer needs to be kept in mind while treating colorectal cancer through chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy refers to drugs that are used to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is given in a variety of ways that include intravenously by injection or with a pump. It can also be given orally through pills. Each drug under chemotherapy works against a specific cancer and has specific schedules and doses prescribed for the intake of the drugs.

Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer can be given in any of the following ways:

1. Primary chemotherapy: Primary chemotherapy is usually given in situations when surgery cannot be done to eliminate the cancer. When the colorectal cancer has already spread to different parts of the body and is in its advance stages, doctor’s retort to primary chemotherapy. Primary chemotherapy aims at shrinking the tumor, alleviate the symptoms, and prolong patient’s life.
2. Adjuvant chemotherapy: If a patient is treated with chemotherapy after the cancer is removed surgically, is termed as adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy is basically done to eliminate the cancer. If there are any cancer cells that might have been missed during the surgery, it is eliminated by adjuvant chemotherapy.
3. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Chemotherapy that is given before the surgery is performed on the patients is termed as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The treatment is given to shrink the tumor, so that during the surgery there are fewer complications to completely remove the tumor. Chemotherapy is also combined with radiations to make the treatment more affective.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy with Colorectal Cancer:

Chemotherapy is the best and most preferred treatment for colorectal cancer but there are a few side effects of chemotherapy. Because chemotherapy aims to kill the rapidly growing cancer cells, the other rapidly growing cells such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, the hair follicles, the gastrointestinal tract, the bone marrow also get damaged. These damaged cells give out various side effects depending upon the area of damage. Nausea, hair loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores, diarrhea, rashes on the hands and feet are common side effects that patients experience during chemotherapy. One does not need to worry about the side effects as especially made diet for chemotherapy helps to remove the side effects.

Chemotherapy side effects depend upon the type of drugs used and differ from person to person. For example, patients suffering from colorectal cancer might experience hair fall during the treatment but some might only experience hair thinning. The side effects arising from chemotherapy usually gets resolved once chemotherapy is stopped.

Patients might also show unusual side effects during chemotherapy. It is essential that patients talk to the doctor or nurses about the problems they are facing on a regular basis. If the side effects are unbearable, doctors might suggest some other combination of chemotherapy drugs. In some extreme cases, the treatment is also stopped for a while for the patients to recover from the side effects and then resume with the therapy. Most of the side effects are treated with medications or change in diet.