Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, begins in the large bowel and can also be called colon or rectal cancer depending on where it starts. Dealing with cancer can make it hard to think about anything else, including sex. But many people find ways to stay positive and live happily despite their diagnosis. Having cancer isn’t the end of the world; it’s a chance to decide whether to live life fully or get bogged down by your troubles.
It’s normal for your sex life to be interrupted during bowel cancer treatment. You might need to avoid sex for at least six weeks after surgery, and you might not feel like being intimate while undergoing treatment. Medications, tiredness, and pain can make it difficult, and feeling self-conscious about your body can add to the challenge.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, affecting both men and women. This cancer starts with abnormal cell growth in the colon (large intestine) or rectum.
Early detection is crucial. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if caught early. If you’re 50 or older, have been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD), or have a history of breast or ovarian cancer, regular check-ups are important. Your doctor will likely recommend tests to check for abnormalities in your colon.
There are risk factors you can control, like not smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating a balanced diet. Processed meats and red meats can increase your risk. Family history also plays a role, and if you’re genetically predisposed, regular screenings are vital.
Colorectal cancer often has no clear signs at first, so regular screenings like colonoscopies are important. At age 50, you should get a colonoscopy and then repeat it every ten years. This test can detect polyps, which are growths that can become cancerous if not removed. A biopsy can determine if a polyp is benign or cancerous.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer might include abdominal pain, blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, unexpected weight loss, and fatigue. If you notice these symptoms, the cancer might already be advanced, making treatment more difficult.
To diagnose colorectal cancer, doctors use several methods:
– **Virtual Colonoscopy**: Uses CT scans to create 3D images of the colon. If abnormalities are found, a conventional colonoscopy will be needed to remove polyps.
– **Lower GI X-ray**: Detects polyps and other issues. If polyps are found, a conventional colonoscopy will remove them.
– **Biopsy**: Examines removed polyps under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous.
Treatments include:
– **Surgery**: Removes the tumor and surrounding tissues. In some cases, part of the colon or rectum may need to be removed.
– **Chemotherapy**: Uses chemicals to target cancer cells, with ongoing research to improve treatments.
– **Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)**: Burns cancer cells and tissues, often used with chemotherapy if surgery isn’t an option.
It’s important to openly communicate with your partner about how cancer treatment affects your sex life. Talking to a counselor can also help. Treatments for rectal cancer can affect sexual function, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness or tightness in women. Medication like Cialis can help, but it’s important to talk to your doctor first.