My bowels have changed. Is that expected?

Yes, in both directions. Some treatments loosen the bowels, some anti-sickness and pain medicines constipate badly, and radiation to the abdomen or pelvis affects the bowel directly.

Tell your team how many times a day and whether there is blood, because that changes what they do. Diarrhea that leaves you lightheaded or unable to keep fluids down needs a call the same day.

Written by two physicians. Checked against patient information from the US National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.