GI troubles can persist for years in women who survive colon cancer.

GI troubles can persist for years in women who survive colon cancer.

The Unseen Struggles of Colon Cancer Survivors

Colon cancer survivors are living longer than ever, but recent research reveals that the vast majority of women treated for the disease face lingering gastrointestinal symptoms well into their survivorship journey.

The Symptoms That Persist

Roughly eight years after treatment, a staggering 81% of female colon cancer survivors still experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, according to a study analyzing medical data from over 400 women.

These symptoms include bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal/pelvic pain. Approximately 54% of survivors reported abdominal bloating and gas, and for 17% of them, this was moderate to severe. Furthermore, about 44% experienced constipation, with almost 13% experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. Additionally, approximately one-third had diarrhea, and nearly 29% reported abdominal/pelvic pain. Overall, 15% of survivors reported moderate to severe GI symptoms.

Impact on Quality of Life

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The persistence of these GI symptoms among colon cancer survivors has a significant impact on their quality of life. Severe GI symptoms were found to be linked to poor overall quality of life, interference with daily social and physical activities, and low body image satisfaction.

Claire Han, the lead study author and an assistant professor of nursing at Ohio State University, emphasizes the importance of managing GI symptoms as part of survivorship care. She states, “GI symptoms among survivors have been under-investigated in the past, but we found that they are very prevalent, even up to 25 years after diagnosis.” This highlights the need to address these symptoms to enhance the well-being of survivors.

Understanding the Causes

While the research showcased the prevalence of GI symptoms, it was unable to identify the exact reasons behind their persistence. It remains unclear whether the disease itself or the treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy, play a significant role. Factors such as the location of cancer in the colon and rectum, as well as treatment-related effects on the gut and its microbiome, could potentially contribute to the symptoms.

Psychological Distress and Gut Health

The study revealed that the women studied also experienced psychological distress, which is common among cancer survivors. However, the research was unable to determine if the gut issues were contributing to this distress. Han suggests that the causal relationship between psychological symptoms and GI symptoms could be bidirectional. In other words, high-stress levels resulting from psychological distress may inflame the gut and exacerbate GI symptoms, while the GI symptoms themselves could contribute to psychological distress.

The Journey of the Participants

The data analyzed for this study was collected from 413 postmenopausal colon cancer survivors participating in the Women’s Health Initiative’s (WHI) Life and Longevity After Cancer (LILAC) study. The participants had an average of eight years since their diagnosis. Among them, approximately 63% had undergone surgery for their cancer, and over one-third had received multiple treatments, including surgery and chemoradiation.

Implications for Survivorship Care

The study’s results highlight the need for comprehensive survivorship care for colon cancer survivors. In addition to medical follow-ups, psychosocial support, pain management, nutrition counseling, and physical rehabilitation should be integrated into survivorship programs. The goal is to address the lingering GI symptoms and associated psychological distress while enhancing the overall well-being of the survivors.

Colon Cancer Survival Rates

Colon cancer survival rates have improved significantly over the years, with five-year survival for all stages of colon cancer standing at 64%. For individuals with early-stage cancer, the survival rate exceeds 90%. These statistics demonstrate the progress made in the field and the increased longevity of survivors.

The study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University, funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, was published in the journal PLOS ONE. It sheds light on the challenges faced by colon cancer survivors, urging healthcare providers to take a holistic approach to survivorship care.

QUESTION

What are the risk factors for developing colon cancer?