9 Nursing Diagnosis for Colon Cancer

Colon, or colorectal, cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon).

Causing no obvious symptoms especially at the early stages, most cases are diagnosed when lesion cancerous change already occurs. At this point, the disease is already in its advanced state and may already be harder to treat.

The physical signs of this disease arise gradually over time, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose it correctly. Most of these symptoms are felt only when the disease is already about to do significant damage to the colon. Thus, timely, quick, and accurate diagnosis is of extreme importance for sufferers.

Many cases of colon cancer have no symptoms. The following symptoms, however, may indicate colon cancer:

•     Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen
•     Blood in the stool
•     Diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits
•     Narrow stools
•     Weight loss with no known reason

The course of therapy varies in different patients regarding the treatment of colon cancer. There are a number of factors that are considered including the state of health of patients and the location and the size of the tumor as well as the severity of colon cancer that are considered by Oncologists (doctors specialized in cancer diagnosis and treatment) in choosing a therapy. The three primary colon cancer treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As the case may be, a combination of these treatments may be employed for the patient.

9 Nursing Diagnosis for Colon Cancer
    1. Constipation related to obstructive lesions.
    2. Acute Pain related to tissue compression secondary to obstruction.
    3. Fatigue related to anemia and anorexia.
    4. Imbalanced Nutrition, Less Than Body Requirements related to nausea and anorexia.
    5. Risk for fluid volume deficit related to vomiting and dehydration
    6. Anxiety related to cancer diagnosis and surgery planning
    7. Knowledge Deficit: the diagnosis, surgical procedures, and self-care.
    8. Impaired Skin Integrity related to surgical incision (abdominoperineal), stoma formation, and faecal contamination of the skin periostomal.
   9. Disturbed body image related to colostomy.