Cancer and Constipation
Cancer and Constipation
Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or hard stools, often accompanied by pain and discomfort. It usually occurs when there is too little fluid in the body or insufficient intestinal movement. Lack of physical activity, weakness, ignoring the urge to defecate, the use of pain medications, or inadequate fluid intake can all worsen constipation.
Possible Symptoms and Related Signs
• Decreased or absent bowel movement
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Excessive gas or frequent burping
• Abdominal bloating or distension
• Irregular bowel movements for the past 3 days, or complete absence of stool and gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling of fullness or general discomfort
What Patients Can Do
• Drink plenty of fluids. Pasteurized fruit juices and warm liquids are often helpful.
• Eat enough high-fiber foods daily, such as whole-grain bread and cereals; fresh fruits with skin and seeds; fresh raw vegetables; fruit juices; dates, apricots, raisins, prunes, prune juice, and nuts.
• Avoid gas-producing foods and drinks, such as cabbage, cauliflower, and carbonated beverages, until constipation improves.
• Avoid or limit foods that may cause constipation, such as cheese or eggs.
• Try to increase light physical activity as much as possible.
• Do not use enemas or suppositories without medical advice. Consult your healthcare team before taking stool softeners or laxatives.
• Go to the restroom as soon as you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Keep track of your bowel movements to identify and address problems early.
• Offer prune juice, warm lemon water, coffee, or tea to help stimulate bowel movements.
• Encourage the patient to drink more fluids.
• Help record the patient’s bowel movement pattern.
• Provide high-fiber foods such as whole grains, dried fruits, and bran.
• Consult the oncology care team before giving any laxatives.
Contact the Oncology Care Team If:
• No bowel movement for 3 days, or both stool and gas have stopped.
• There is blood around the anus or in the stool.
• No bowel movement occurs after using a laxative for 1–2 days.
• Persistent abdominal cramps or vomiting occur.
