Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Colon Cancer

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon).

Insight:

• Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age.
• Symptoms may include change in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal discomfort, weakness or fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
• Risk factors include older age, African American race, history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory intestinal conditions, obesity, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and family history.
• Treatment includes polypectomy, mucosal resection, partial colectomy, lymph nodes removal, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care.
• Some drugs used as chemotherapy for colorectal cancer include 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine (Xeloda), irinotecan (Camptosar), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), and trifluridine and tipiracil (Lonsurf).

Sources:

• Colon cancer - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
• Colorectal Cancer Chemotherapy | Chemo for Colon & Rectal Cancer
• colon cancer medication - Google Search