Types of bowel problems
Diarrhoea is when you need to poo more often than you normally do in one day, and the poo is soft or runny.
Diarrhoea can be a side effect of cancer treatment or the cancer itself. Find out more about what can cause diarrhoea.
Your doctor or nurse will ask you questions and do tests to assess how severe your diarrhoea is and whether you need treatment.
Diarrhoea can cause you to lose a lot of fluid very quickly. There are treatments that can help.
There are things you can do to help you cope with diarrhoea caused by cancer or its treatment. Find out what some of these things are.
Last reviewed: 09 Sept 2025
Next review due: 09 Sept 2028
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