Some chemotherapy agents or radiotherapy to the abdomen can cause diarrhoea. It is very important not to allow the diarrhoea to cause dehydration. If significant diarrhoea has developed contact the hospital immediately.

Diarrhoea may reduce the chemotherapy or radiotherapy dose and give tablets such as loperamide (immodium). The following tips may supplement the medication given from the hospital if diarrhoea is an issue but remember to gradually reintroduce a normal routine and healthy food once it has subsided.

• In general, eat small, frequent meals and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day (at least 8 - 10 mugs or glasses)
• Avoid any food that you have found that appears to make it worse.
• Alcohol, strong tea / coffee, cola, fruit juice and malted drinks
• Spicy or highly seasoned foods e.g. chilli, curry, pickles.
• Very ‘fatty’ foods e.g. fried foods
• Unripe fruit, pips, seeds, skins, nuts, raw vegetables, salads
• Peal potatoes and avoid large amounts of dried fruit.
• High fibre breakfast cereals
• Eat very rich foods in moderation e.g. chocolate, cream
• Avoid ‘low sugar’ or ‘diet’ products

 Foods to try with diarrhoea:

• Sip high energy drinks between meals
• Try milky drinks, weak tea and coffee with sugar added
• Meat, fish or alternative (e.g. Soya).
• Use sauces such as white, cheese and tomato based sauces (no pips).
• Grill, steam, poach, boil or bake food.
• Use oil sparingly if frying.
• Stewed or tinned fruit, peeled fruit in small amounts.
• Well cooked vegetables and potatoes.
• White bread, pasta, and rice.
• Ice cream, plain sponges, yoghurt, plain biscuits, cakes and milk puddings.

Further general information Your doctors and specialist nurses are in an ideal position to give you relevant information on your disease and treatment as they know your individual circumstances. Cancerbackup has a help line (0808 800 1234) and a prize winning video available in English, Italian, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explaining Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk has over 500 pages describing cancer, its management, practical tips and tool which patients, their carers and their doctors have found helpful during the cancer journey.