Diarrhea can be an unpleasant side effect of cancer treatment. While it might feel uncomfortable to bring diarrhea up with your care team, it’s important to address it with your doctor to combat potential dehydration, irritation to the skin, or any related underlying issues.
The National Cancer Institute (NIH) defines diarrhea as a loose bowel movement that occurs much more frequently than usual. It’s usually lacking in form, soft, watery, and can cause additional, unwanted physical and emotional stress. It can change your routine and you may be uncomfortable leaving your house not knowing where the closest bathroom is.
Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of cancer treatment including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy and/or surgery. Understanding the “why” behind this side effect can help you and your care team address your diarrhea quickly and effectively.
- With chemotherapy, there are certain drugs that can destroy the healthy cells in your digestive tract while fighting the cancer cells, causing diarrhea.
- During immunotherapy, drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors can sometimes cause colitis, or inflammation in the colon, and result in diarrhea.
- When radiation therapy is targeted at your digestive tract (abdomen, pelvis, or rectum), it can cause radiation enteritis or radiation-related diarrhea.
- Many targeted therapy drugs can cause diarrhea, as can surgery related to the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, or intestines.
Depending on the severity of your diarrhea, your care team may recommend different treatment paths. With mild diarrhea, implementing diet changes may help alleviate symptoms. This includes drinking clear liquids, avoiding fiber-rich foods, and staying away from foods that can irritate your digestive tract. Your doctor may also suggest smaller meals once you’re able to tolerate foods.
Make sure to take care of the skin around your anal area to prevent irritation and soreness. Washing the area with warm water, using unscented baby wipes, and keeping the area dry can soothe the skin.
To help provide you and your care team with more insight into this side effect, keep track of your bowel movements, medications, and meals. You can use the tracker in the Outcomes4Me app to have all your health records in one place or write it down in a notebook.
If you’re experiencing any of the following diarrhea-related symptoms, contact your care team straight away.
- At least seven or more loose bowel movements a day for more than two days
- Blood in your stool or rectal area and sudden weight loss
- A fever of 100.5 degrees or more
- Incontinence or inability to control your stools
- Sudden dizziness or abdominal cramps that last more than a day
Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.
This is not medical guidance. Always consult with your medical provider for any specific questions about your own health. For general cancer-related queries, connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.
