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Bowel problems are common in people with cancer. 

The information on this page will help you find out more about bowel problems and ways to manage them during and after cancer treatment.

Why can bowel problems occur

There are many reasons why bowel problems can occur after a cancer diagnosis:

• treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery can temporarily change the way your bowel works
• medications, inactivity and a change in food intake can add to this problem
• infections can lead to diarrhoea
• Stress, anxiety and depression can also affect your bowel

Normal bowel movements vary from person to person, so it is important to recognise what is normal for you.

If you are aware of a change to your normal bowel habits, talk through your worries with your doctor and hospital team. Managing symptoms early, and even preventing them in the first place, can help to improve your quality of life.

If you have an ileostomy or stoma, you may need specific advice from your healthcare team for managing changes to your bowel function.

Types of bowel problems

The main bowel problems you may be aware of are constipation or diarrhoea.

Constipation

Constipation is when it is difficult to empty your bowels and your poo is dry and hard. You may feel bloated and uncomfortable, and find trying to poo is painful.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is when your poo becomes loose and watery, and you may find you are needing to poo frequently. More than three times a day can be classed as diarrhoea. It is often accompanied with cramps, wind and discomfort.

Other bowel problems

Other symptoms of bowel problems include pain, bowel cramps, bloating, and loss of appetite.

These bowel problems can be uncomfortable to experience, both physically and emotionally. You may find that your bowel problems are affecting other areas of your life, such as your social life.

The information below includes way to help you manage your symptoms.

Managing constipation

Constipation can build up gradually and become uncomfortable. Your healthcare team will explain if this symptom is expected, and there are steps you can take to help prevent and manage the problem.

• Take stool softeners and/or laxatives as recommended by your healthcare team
• Drink plenty of fluids (up to eight glasses of water a day) to help keep the stools soft and maintain a normal bowel habit
• Try some light exercise, as this will help keep the bowel working smoothly
• Eating a high fibre diet can help, e.g. wholewheat breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread and pasta, brown rice, fruit and vegetables with skins on. (Check with your healthcare team if this will be OK. For some cancers, and treatments which affect the bowel, a high fibre diet isn’t recommended.)
• Eating at the same time of the day, and regular meals can help restore a normal bowel habit
• Taking time to go to the toilet, and not straining, or rushing, can help too

If the symptoms persist, tell a member of your healthcare team, as constipation can cause complications, for example, if the bowel becomes blocked by hard poo.

Sometimes, constipation can be a symptom of other cancer related problems.

Managing diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can feel distressing, with the urge to go to the toilet immediately adding to the general upset of the diarrhoea symptoms themselves.

Your healthcare team will have explained that diarrhoea may happen with some of your cancer treatments.

Sometimes, diarrhoea is a mild and temporary side effect. However, it is a symptom that shouldn’t be ignored, as you could soon become dehydrated and this can cause lead to further problems.

• Ask for and take any medication to help ease the diarrhoea as prescribed by your doctor. You may also be given some tablets to relieve the pain and cramps if they’re uncomfortable
• Try and drink plenty of fluids, ideally eight glasses of water a day, as this will help keep you hydrated
• Eat light meals only, avoiding high fibre foods, and avoid greasy foods, caffeine, and dairy foods
• Try and eat small amounts little and often rather than a big meal. Foods which might help bulk up the stool include rice, pasta, skinless potatoes, white bread, bananas, chicken and fish
• If your temperature is higher than normal, you pass blood or tarry poo, you develop signs of dehydration such as dizziness or light-headedness, if the diarrhoea is persistent despite treatment for 48 hours or more, or if the diarrhoea is becoming more frequent (4-6 times a day or more), then let your healthcare team know immediately.

Worries about diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can cause you to feel worried about leaving the house, and enjoying social activities.

Being prepared with supplies such as anti-diarrhoea tablets, wet-wipes, a change of clothes, pad or pants can be helpful.

You could carry or download a toilet card such as the , which can help you access a toilet more quickly when you are out and about.

There are also apps and websites that can help you to find public toilets, such as .

What now?

• 51É«APP out what bowel side effects are expected from your cancer treatments. 
• Tell your doctor if you’re worried or the symptoms are ongoing or severe
• Try the suggestions mentioned on this page, and looks through our links to additional resources. 
• Visit your nearest Maggie51É«APP™s centre for practical and emotional support from the Maggie51É«APP™s team, and talk with others about what you’re going through physically and emotionally.

Last review: May 2026 | Next review: May 2029