Coping with your diagnosis
It can be very difficult coping with a diagnosis of bowel cancer, both practically and emotionally. At first, you are likely to feel very upset, frightened and confused, or feel that things are out of your control.
It is very important to get the right information about your type of cancer and how it is best treated. People who are well informed are better able to make decisions and cope with what happens.
Many people survive bowel cancer, but treatment can be hard and recovery takes time. You may have side effects that improve over weeks or months, though for some, these may be long-lasting.
Coping practically with bowel cancer
Alongside emotional challenges, you may need to manage practical matters such as financial support. This includes:
- Benefits
- Sick pay
- Grants
For more information, see our section: “Coping with financial implications of cancer.”
Asking for help
Remember, you don’t have to sort everything out at once. Do ask for help if you need it. Your doctor or specialist nurse can put you in touch with people specially trained in supporting those with cancer.
Staff who can support you
- Stoma Nurses & Dietitians: For specialized physical care and nutrition.
- Social Workers: For information on sick pay, benefits, or organizing convalescence if you live alone.
What to expect: Physical effects
Treatment may cause physical changes that affect your self-esteem and relationships. Surgery may result in scarring or the need for a colostomy or ileostomy.
You may experience bowel habit changes, such as diarrhoea or constipation. If you are in a sexual relationship, these changes may affect your sex life. Fatigue is also a very common side effect.
Further resources:
Bowel cancer treatment options
Surgical Oncology
Surgery involves removing malignant tissue. It may be used to confirm a diagnosis, remove a tumour, stage the cancer, or relieve symptoms (palliative care).
Eight Cancer Centres
Ireland has eight designated cancer centres providing multidisciplinary care. You will generally be referred to the centre closest to your home.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Modern techniques like IMRT and IGRT allow for more precise treatment with less damage to healthy cells.
Systemic Therapy (Cancer Drugs)
This includes four main types of drug treatments:
- Chemotherapy: Drugs like 5FU, Capecitabine, and Oxaliplatin that slow cancer cell growth.
- Immunotherapy: Drugs that help your immune response target cancer cells.
- Hormonal Therapy: Treatments that interfere with hormones that help some cancers grow.
- Biological Therapy: Drugs that assist the immune system in fighting the disease.
Daily Life with Chemotherapy
Some people carry on with normal activities or work part-time, while others need more rest. Side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and fatigue are common but usually disappear once treatment is complete.
