Almost all of us have dealt with constipation at some point. But did you know that for those dealing with cancer, it is a common problem, and frequently more severe? It is a condition that can really affect your quality of life.

All these factors can contribute to constipation:

• Medications (including some chemotherapies, opiod pain relievers, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and muscle relaxants)
• Decreased activity levels
• Disrupted schedules
• Increased stress and anxiety

Signs of constipation include:

• Less frequent bowel movements
• Hard stools
• Difficulty or straining to eliminate
• Bloating, abdominal cramping and pain
• Anorexia
• Oozing stool in the presence of other constipation symptoms

Constipation can be a serious medical condition so it is very important that you always report any symptoms of constipation to your healthcare providers. They can talk with you about methods to prevent or relieve the constipation and can prescribe effective medications.

Helpful Hints:

Here are things you can do on your own to prevent or reduce constipation while undergoing cancer treatment:

• Drink at least eight glasses of water daily
• Eat high fiber foods such as whole grain cereals, fruits (especially prunes, figs, dates, etc.) and vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, and popcorn
• Avoid foods like cheese and other dairy products, and fried foods
• Exercise if you can, even if it is only walking around your house -- movement can help
• Maintain as normal an environment as possible to maintain privacy, schedule of toileting
• Drink a warm drink half an hour to an hour before the time you usually have a bowel movement
• It may be hard for you to eat more fiber and drink more water because you may not feel like eating at all. Again, discuss these issues with your doctors and nurses involved in treating your cancer for help.

A recipe to alleviate constipation:

1 cup applesauce
1 cup All Bran
1 cup prune juice
Mix together, take 2-3 tablespoons daily, and refrigerate the excess. Use regularly unless stools become too loose or diarrhea develops. Adjust the amount you take to regulate your bowel habits.
Developed by Dr. Mark O'Rourke at the Greenville, S.C. CCOP

Do not take over-the-counter laxatives unless instructed by your doctor. Laxatives operate by different mechanisms. Some can cause a cycle of constipation and diarrhea, without really relieving the problem. Some could cause problems if you have a bowel or intestinal blockage.

Constipation can become very serious and can have significant effects on your quality of life. Remember, constipation is one of the most common side effects of opiod pain medication. If you are taking or start to take opiod pain medication, ask for help from your doctors and nurses to prevent constipation. Also, it is important to discuss any changes in bowel habits with your doctors and nurses to avoid prolonged complications.