What Is Colorectal Cancer?
- The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009, nearly 147,000 people in
the United States were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
- Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum – parts of the digestive system.
The colon is the first 5 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last
6 inches of the large intestine. The colon, or large bowel, is a muscular tube that
connects the small intestine to the rectum.
- Colorectal cancer happens when cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control
and lose their normal function. Since early detection helps increase the chances
of survival, regular tests are vitally important.
- The starting point for colorectal cancer often is a noncancerous polyp, which is
a small growth of tissue on the lining of the colon or rectum. If cancer forms inside
a polyp, the cancer cells can grow into the wall of the colon or rectum. In advanced
cases, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through a process called
metastasis.
Learn about the risk factors for
colorectal cancer.
Important Safety Information
Anaphylactic-like reactions to ELOXATIN have been reported and may occur within
minutes of ELOXATIN administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines
have been employed to alleviate symptoms.
- Do not take ELOXATIN if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ELOXATIN or
other medicines that contain platinum. Tell your doctor right away if you feel like
your throat is closing up, have shortness of breath, a flushed face, a rash, itching/hives,
swelling of lips or tongue, sudden cough, dizziness, sweating or chest pain.
- ELOXATIN can cause nerve problems. Tell your doctor right away if you become sensitive
to cold temperatures and cold objects; have trouble breathing, swallowing or saying
words; experience jaw tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, or chest pressure;
pain; tingling or burning in your hands, feet or around your mouth or throat.
- Tell your doctor if you develop a dry cough or have trouble breathing; these may
be signs of serious lung disease.
- ELOXATIN can cause liver problems (hepatotoxicity); your doctor will do blood tests
to watch for this.
- Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive ELOXATIN.
Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while receiving ELOXATIN.
- ELOXATIN can cause a decrease in white blood cells, which can lead to infections.
Tell your doctor right away if develop any of the following signs of infection:
fever, chills, or shivering; cough that brings up mucus, burning or pain on urination,
pain on swallowing; sore throat; or redness or swelling at injection site.
- Other common side effects of ELOXATIN include a decrease in white blood cells, red
blood cells, and platelets, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and
non-prescription medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go
away. These are not all the possible side effects of ELOXATIN. For more information,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Please
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