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Types of bowel problems in people with cancer

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is when you need to poo more often than you usually do in one day. And your poo is more loose and watery than usual. It can be a side effect of cancer treatment or the cancer itself. 

Read about the symptoms, causes and treatment of diarrhoea when you have cancer.

Symptoms of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is when you need to poo more often than you normally do in one day, and the poo is soft or runny.

Causes of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can be a side effect of cancer treatment or the cancer itself. Find out more about what can cause diarrhoea.

Assessing diarrhoea

Your doctor or nurse will ask you questions and do tests to assess how severe your diarrhoea is and whether you need treatment.

Treating diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can cause you to lose a lot of fluid very quickly. There are treatments that can help.

Tips on coping with diarrhoea

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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