Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea refers to the increased frequency and decreased consistency of bowel motions
There are a number of disease and treatment related factors which can cause diarrhoea. They include:
- Chemotherapy drugs, particularly irinotecan, fluorouracil and capecitabine
- Stem cell transplantation, as this includes high dose chemotherapy +/- total body irradiation
- Graft versus host disease (occurs following stem cell transplantation)
- Radiation therapy to the pelvis and/or abdomen
- Patients aged over 65 years
- Psychosocial issues, including stress/anxiety
- Previous history of other conditions which cause diarrhoea (i.e. chronic intestinal dysmotility (CID), Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome)
Your health professionals will discuss whether you are at risk of diarrhoea. There are strategies which can help prevent diarrhoea:
- Ensure you drink enough water and other beverages (avoid dairy-based fluids and drink clear fluids instead)
- Report signs of dehydration, including low urine output, rapid heart rate and headache/dizziness
- Modify your diet to prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Consider talking to a dietitian who can support you to manage your diet: avoid fatty/greasy and spicy foods, and raw vegetables and fruit, consume small, frequent, bland, low fibre meals (e.g. bananas, rice, noodles, white bread, skinless chicken or white fish), avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, and limit dairy products
- Ensure peri-anal area is kept clean by regularly washing with tepid water and mild soap
- Apply barrier cream if your skin becomes irritated
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage your symptoms. Although this medication is also available without prescription, it’s important that you discuss your situation with your care team. Your treatment regime may need to be adjusted depending on your symptoms.
- A temperature above 38°C
- Motions that are black or have fresh blood present
- Dark concentrated urine
- Stomach cramping or pain
- Diarrhoea that does not resolve in 24 hours, or becomes severe and very frequent (more than five episodes within 24 hours)
Become a patient
Find out how to become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information from your nearest centre.
Support services
A list of credible support agencies to help you through all stages of your cancer journey.
Families and carers
Helpful information on finding the right support when caring for a loved one with cancer.
Iconic Community
Our patients share their perspective and advice on receiving and coping with a cancer diagnosis.