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Constipation when you have cancer

Constipation means that you’re not able to open your bowels routinely and it can become difficult or painful for you to pass bowel motions.

Here are some suggestions to help prevent or ease this:

Make sure you have plenty of fibre (roughage) in your diet. Good sources of fibre include: wholewheat breakfast cereals like Weetabix®, Shredded Wheat® or muesli; wholemeal bread and flour; brown rice; wholemeal pasta; and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Popular natural remedies for constipation are prune juice, prunes and syrup of figs.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids - both hot and cold drinks will help. Aim to drink at least two litres (3.5 pints) a day.
Gentle exercise, such as walking, will help keep your bowels moving.
If the constipation is due to medicines that you’re taking (such as painkillers or anti-sickness drugs), you will need to take laxatives. Your doctor can prescribe these for you.

If you have cancer of the bowel|, or you think that your bowel may be affected by your cancer treatment, always ask your doctor or specialist nurse for advice on dealing with constipation. A diet with lots of fibre in it may make your symptoms worse.

Content last reviewed: 1 April 2012

Next planned review: 2014

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.