Types of bowel problems in people with cancer
The two most common bowel problems for people with cancer are diarrhoea and constipation. But people with cancer might also have problems with bowel blockages or passing wind.
It is understandable that bowel problems can be distressing, especially when they affect your daily life. Do ask your doctor or nurse for advice, they may be able to recommend treatment to help.
Diarrhoea
Get information on the symptoms, causes and treatment of diarrhoea.
Constipation
Constipation means having difficulty opening your bowels. Find out about this common problem for people with cancer.
Faecal impaction
Faecal impaction means having dry, hard poo (stool or faeces) in the back passage (rectum). Long term or chronic constipation can lead to faecal impaction.
A blocked bowel (bowel obstruction)
A bowel obstruction means there is a blockage in the bowel. It is a serious complication, which is more common with advanced cancer.
Passing wind
On average people pass wind about 15 to 25 times a day. But sometimes illness, what you eat, and stress can increase the amount of wind you pass.
Having a colostomy or ileostomy
A colostomy and ilesotomy are openings of the bowel onto the surface of the tummy (abdomen). You wear a bag over the opening, to collect the poo.
