It may not be a pleasant subject, but constipation
– painful and difficult bowel movements-- is a common problem for
cancer patients. It must
not be ignored.
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DON’T
DELAY
Constipation, if not
treated, can lead to more serious problems. Prevention or early
treatment is the key to avoiding problems from constipation.
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Constipation might be caused by the cancer itself
or the medicines you are taking. Or,
if you are being given chemotherapy, you might have a hard time eating
and drinking and that can make you constipated. Medicines for pain can
cause constipation too.
If you are not having regular bowel movements it is
important that you talk to your doctor. The problem
might be solved by some simple changes in your diet or your doctor may
suggest an over-the-counter or prescription medication.
Maybe your not sure what a “regular bowel movement” is and
what’s normal for you. Talk to your doctor or health care team.
ON OUNCE OF PREVENTION
WHAT
YOU CAN DO:
![[glass of water]](images/water_glass.jpg)
Drink plenty of fluids (8 to 10 glasses a day), unless you have heart, blood vessel, or kidney problems.
Eat more foods high in fiber such as bran and whole grain cereals, raisins, popcorn, corn, dates, figs, and prunes.
If you aren’t used to eating high fiber foods, it will take your body several weeks to get use to the change in diet. You may experience irregular bowel movements, gas and bloating until your system adjusts. If you add high fiber items gradually, your body may have less trouble
adjusting.
Avoid foods that can increase constipation such as milk and cheese, and refined starches such as rice, potatoes,
and white bread. Avoid coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages. The rule of thumb is, for every cup of caffeinated beverage, you should drink an extra glass of water.
Exercise every day as best you can. Even a short walk can help. If you are confined to bed, ask
our medical team about exercises you can do in bed.
Set aside the same time each day to have a bowel movement. Respond to the urge right away. You may have to strain if you wait.
Drink a warm or hot liquid about a half-hour before your normal time for a bowel movement.
Keep a record of your bowel movements for when you talk to your
doctor.
Don’t use suppositories and enemas without first
talking to your doctor. Even
though these products may be common treatments for constipation in
healthy people, they could cause bleeding or infection and are not
recommended for all patients.
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note of caution:
While raw fruits and vegetables usually are a good source of diet
fiber, they are not recommended for people on chemotherapy who may
have a low white blood count. If you are on chemo, thoroughly cook
all vegetables and eat only canned fruit.
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This page was last
edited on 06/26/2008
Written
by Rachael Myers Lowe, cancerpage.com
Reviewed by
Kathe Kelly BSN, RN, OCN
