Bowel problems 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. Talk to your doctor or nurse for advice, they may be able to recommend treatment to help.
Get information on the symptoms, causes and treatment of diarrhoea.
Constipation means having difficulty opening your bowels. Find out the causes, symptoms, and treatment of constipation.
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 bowel obstruction means there is a blockage in the bowel. It is a serious complication, which is more common with advanced cancer.
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.
A colostomy and ileostomy is where the bowel is brought onto onto the surface of the tummy (abdomen) to create an opening (stoma). You wear a bag to collect the poo.
Last reviewed: 05 Sept 2025
Next review due: 05 Sept 2028
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