About Cancers Which May Lead To An Ostomy

Anal cancer, Bladder Cancer , Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer , Ovarian Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Vaginal Cancer can all lead to an ostomy (colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy) either temporary or permanent.

About Cancer

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Treatment

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5 Questions You May Not Think To Ask Your Oncologist

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Note: this is written for bone cancer patients, so there are several references to bones which may or may not apply to you. It is included as it contains good overall advice, whatever cancer you are fighting).

1. Will cancer and its treatment affect other parts of my body?
Despite treatment, cancer cells can spread from the initial location to other organs, including your bones. Several of the most common types of cancer (e.g., breast, lung, prostate, kidney) can spread from the original tumor site to invade the bone, a process known as bone metastasis. Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, can also progress uncontrollably and accumulate in multiple parts of the body. The mass accumulation of these cancerous plasma cells can form tumors that spread. This process, when involving the bones, can cause further complications. Bone metastases often lead to an increased risk for fracture or compression of the spinal cord, resulting in painful and potentially debilitating bone complications.
You will most likely experience an impact on other parts of your body as a result of your cancer and its treatment. Chemotherapy, for example, can cause hair loss and swelling, and breast cancer patients may have a mastectomy, which will alter the body's appearance.
It is important that you visit your oncologist to conduct a full medical examination to determine if your cancer has metastasized to the bone, and learn about how you can take action to protect your bones.

2. Should I be concerned about other medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, their treatments, and their impact on cancer?
Preexisting medical conditions put you at higher risk for developing complications throughout your cancer treatment. It is important that you speak with the doctor who has been overseeing the treatment of these conditions, as well as your oncologist, to determine the most appropriate treatment option. You should discuss any medications you may be taking to treat a preexisting medical condition, as these can also have an effect on your cancer treatment.
Patients with anemia, for example, experience fatigue and weight loss, which can be made worse with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and make cancer therapies less effective.
Also, be sure to talk to your doctor about protecting your bones. Bone metastases may weaken bones leading to fractures that can be painful and debilitating.

3. Do I still need to see my other healthcare professionals (primary care physician, gynecologist, dentist) since I am under the care of my oncologist?
While your oncologist is treating your cancer, it is extremely important that you visit your other healthcare providers to ensure you are not neglecting other potential health problems. It is crucial to talk about your cancer diagnosis and treatment with your other doctors.
Cancer treatment can affect your entire body, including your teeth and gums. Your dentist should know that you are being treated for cancer, and your oncologist should be aware of your dental history.
Your oncologist should become another member of your healthcare team. It is important that your doctors work together and keep one another informed of your health status in order to provide you with the best care possible.

4. How can I maintain intimacy with my partner after my cancer diagnosis?
Some people experience little or no change in their sexual desire and energy level during their illness. Others find that their sexual interest declines because of the physical and emotional stress of having cancer and undergoing treatment. Just as it is important to speak with your doctor about the side effects of treatment, you must speak with your partner about your feelings and concerns and find ways to attend to this important part of your life.
Taking walks together is a leisurely activity that allows you to simultaneously spend quality time together and exercise. Walking provides weight-bearing exercise, which may help maintain bone density and keep your bones as strong as possible.

5. Are there certain foods or drinks I should be sure to include in my diet as a result of my cancer or the treatments I am receiving? Is it safe for me to exercise?

To maintain the best possible health, cancer patients need to exercise and eat a healthy diet. People who eat well and exercise are often better able to cope with the side effects of treatment and regain strength. Talk to your doctor about creating a customized diet plan, and stick to it. Your doctor can also provide you with an exercise plan that will be most beneficial to you. There are many weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, dancing and stair climbing, which build bone mass and provide many physical and psychological benefits.

A healthy diet that will help protect your bones generally includes:

Further information

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A list of Websites, Message Boards etc for cancers which can lead to ostomies∞

Message Board - Cancer with an Ostomy Section∞.
A place for those whose cancer results in an an ostomy to ask questions, seek support, discuss treatments etc etc.

Anal Cancer
Includes medical information relating specifically to Anal Cancer

Bladder Cancer
Includes medical information relating specifically to Bladder Cancer

Cervical Cancer
Includes medical information relating specifically to Cervical Cancer

Colorectal Cancer
Includes medical information relating specifically to Colorectal Cancer

Ovarian Cancer
Includes medical information relating specifically to Ovarian Cancer

Prostate Cancer
Includes medical information relating specifically to Prostate Cancer

Vaginal Cancer
Includes medical information relating specifically to Vaginal Cancer

The Emotional Aspects of Dealing with Cancer

Children and Cancer

Treatment

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Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy

Latest Research

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Cancer Explained
Includes articles which explain research into Cancer, why it develops in the first place etc.

About Cancer Treatment Methods
Includes articles about which treatment methods etc are working well or creating problems.

Cancer Research
Includes articles about new drugs, treatment methods etc. relating to several of the cancers below.

Anal Cancer Research
Includes articles about new drugs, treatment methods etc. relating specifically to Anal Cancer

Bladder Cancer Research
Includes articles about new drugs, treatment methods etc. relating specifically to Bladder Cancer

Cervical Cancer Research
Includes articles about new drugs, treatment methods etc. relating specifically to Cervical Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Research
Includes articles about new drugs, treatment methods etc. relating specifically to Colorectal Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Research
Includes articles about new drugs, treatment methods etc. relating specifically to Ovarian Cancer

Prostate Cancer Research
Includes articles about new drugs, treatment methods etc. relating specifically to Prostate Cancer

Vaginal Cancer Research
Includes articles about new drugs, treatment methods etc. relating specifically to Vaginal Cancer

Chemotherapy Articles
Chemotherapy and Cancer Research

Radiotherapy Articles
Radiotherapy and Cancer Research
New Device Increases Survival Rates Of Women With Advanced Rectal Cancer By Providing Radiation During Surgery

Scans Articles
PET-CT PET and CT Scans and Cancer Research

Cancer and Nutrition
Articles relating to foods, vitamins etc and cancer

Latest News

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Cancer Treatment News
Includes articles about funding etc.

Categories

CategoryCancer