Constipation Due To Chemotherapy

Key points about constipation due to chemotherapy

• some cancer medicines, like Vincristine, can cause constipation
• constipation is more likely if your child is less active or not drinking enough fluids.
• your child's healthcare team will give you a plan to try and prevent or manage constipation

Causes of constipation during cancer treatment

Constipation can happen for several reasons:

• some chemotherapy medicines slow down the bowel
• less physical activity during treatment can affect digestion
• not drinking enough fluids can make poo harder and more difficult to pass

How to manage constipation

Your child's healthcare team will guide you with a plan. This may include: 

• a gentle laxative or stool softener
• tips for increasing fluids and fibre in your child’s diet

Watch for these signs 

Let your healthcare team know if:

• you see blood streaks or mucus in your child's poo - this could mean there is a small tear (anal fissure) that needs treatment
• your child is constipated and you're unsure what to do
• you need help figuring out how much fluid your child should be drinking

Foods and fluids that can help constipation

Your child’s dietitian or doctor can help you work out how much fluid your child needs based on their age. 

These foods can help relieve constipation: 

• wholemeal or wholegrain bread, and bran muffins
• wholegrain cereals like Weetbix and porridge (you can add bran too)
• fruit and vegetables with the skins left on, but washed thoroughly (corn is a great option!)
• prunes, prune juice, kiwifruit and Kiwi Crush (crushed kiwifruit from the freezer section in the supermarket)

Encourage your child to drink water regularly throughout the day.

Why it’s important to treat constipation

If constipation isn’t managed, hard poo can cause a small tear in the back passage (anal canal). This can be painful and slow to heal. It can also let bacteria into the bloodstream - this is especially risky if your child has low immunity (neutropenia).

Need more help?

You can read some more detailed information about constipation in tamariki.

Constipation In Children

But remember, this information is for all tamariki (children) who are constipated, not just tamariki with cancer. It's best to check the advice with your child's healthcare team.