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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2017 Apr 10.
Published in final edited form as: CA Cancer J Clin. 2015 Sep 8;65(6):428–455. doi: 10.3322/caac.21286

Table 3.

Summary of Potential Long-term and Late Effects of Colorectal Cancer and Its Treatment.

Treatment Type Long-Term Effects Late Effects
Surgery

  • Ostomy care and complications

  • Urogenital / sexual dysfunction – e.g., erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, incontinence

  • Frequent and / or urgent bowel movements or loose bowels

  • Gas and / or bloating

  • Incisional hernia

  • Increased risk of bowel obstruction
Pelvic Radiation

  • Urogenital dysfunction / sexual dysfunction – e.g., erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, incontinence

  • Gas

  • Chronic diarrhea

  • Rectal ulceration and / or bleeding

  • Rectal emptying problems / incontinence

  • Frequent bowel movements

  • Abdominal pain

  • Localized skin changes

  • Infertility

  • Bowel obstruction

  • Bone fracture in sacral region

  • Second primary cancers in the radiation field
Chemotherapy

  • Peripheral chronic neuropathy

  • Cognitive function deficits – e.g., confusion, lethargy

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Dental / oral complications
General Psychosocial Long-term and Late Effects

  • Depression

  • Distress – multi-factorial unpleasant experience of psychological, social, and/or spiritual nature

  • Worry, anxiety

  • Fear of recurrence

  • Fear of pain

  • End of life concerns: death and dying

  • Loss of sexual function and/or desire

  • Challenges with body image (secondary to surgery, hormonal therapy)

  • Challenges with self-image

  • Relationship and other social role difficulties

  • Return to work concerns and financial challenges