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Bowel changes

Treatment for cancer of the uterus can affect the way the bowels work. These changes are usually temporary, but for some people, they can be permanent and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Talk to your treatment team if you are finding bowel issues hard to manage.

Learn more about:

Constipation

Constipation is when you have difficulty having a bowel movement (pooing) regularly or often. It is important to avoid constipation, especially in the days after surgery, because it may lead to more discomfort or cause you to strain when you’re sitting on the toilet.

Talk to your dietitian or doctor about making changes to your diet or taking medicines if you are constipated.

Diarrhoea 

Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of loose, watery faeces (poo) from the bowels. A dietitian can suggest changes to your diet to reduce the number of bowel movements.

Radiation proctitis 

Radiation therapy can damage the lining of the rectum, causing inflammation and swelling known as radiation proctitis. This can cause a range of symptoms including:

  • blood in bowel movements
  • diarrhoea
  • the need to empty the bowels urgently
  • loss of control over the bowels (faecal incontinence).

Radiation proctitis usually gets better after treatment has finished, but it can develop some time after treatment (called a late effect). Talk to your treatment team about your risk of developing radiation proctitis. If you have any ongoing bowel problems, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist.

Blood in bowel movements

Blood vessels in the bowel can become more fragile after radiation therapy. This can cause blood to appear in your faeces, even months or years after treatment. Always seek advice from your specialist or GP if you notice any new or unusual bleeding.

Tips for managing bowel changes

For constipation

For diarrhoea
  • Drink more water – aim to drink at least 8 glasses during the day.
  • Eat regular meals throughout the day.
  • Try to eat more fibre-rich foods, e.g. wholegrain breads and cereals, legumes such as beans and lentils, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.
  • Do some gentle exercise, such as walking. Check with your doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is right for you.
  • Cut down on sweets, soft drinks, takeaway food, fried foods, potato chips and other savoury snacks.
  • Limit foods containing added sugars and salts.
  • Take medicines for constipation as directed by your doctor.
  • Drink plenty of fluids such as water, herbal teas, sports drinks and electrolyte-replacing fluids.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.
  • Eat fewer high-fibre foods, e.g. wholegrain breads and cereals, raw fruits and vegetables, and legumes.
  • Eat more low-fibre foods, e.g. white rice, white pasta, white bread, potatoes.
  • Limit spicy, fatty and greasy foods, as these can make diarrhoea worse.
  • Cut down on coffee, cola and other drinks that contain caffeine.
  • Choose low lactose or soy-based dairy products (eating small amounts of cheese and yoghurt is usually okay).
  • Ask your doctor about suitable medicines for diarrhoea. Take as directed.

→ READ MORE: Lymphoedema and cellulitis

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Understanding Cancer of the Uterus

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This information was last reviewed in October 2023. View who reviewed this content.

A/Prof Orla McNally, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, Director Oncology/Dysplasia, Royal Women’s Hospital, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, University of Melbourne, and Director of Gynaecology Tumour Stream, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Yoland Antill, Medical Oncologist, Peninsula Health, Parkville Familial Cancer Centre, Cabrini Health and Monash University, VIC; Grace Guerzoni, Consumer; Zeina Hayes, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Bronwyn Jennings, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Hospital Brisbane, QLD; A/Prof Christopher Milross, Director of Mission and Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Mariad O’Gorman, Clinical Psychologist, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre and Bankstown Cancer Centre, NSW.

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