How Do Cancer Treatments Affect the Gastrointestinal System?
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can have significant impacts on the GI system. Chemotherapy can cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea by damaging the rapidly dividing cells of the gastrointestinal lining. Radiation therapy, particularly when targeted at the abdomen or pelvis, can also damage the GI tract, leading to similar symptoms. Surgical interventions can lead to shorter-term symptoms and sometimes longer-term changes in bowel habits.
