Cancerbackup: Q-413

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I had radiotherapy for cervical cancer a year ago and was told I may have diarrhoea for a couple of months but it hasn't stopped. Should I see my doctor?

Yes, you should see your doctor. Most women experience diarrhoea whilst receiving radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer. This diarrhoea usually settles within two months after treatment, but in a few women it may take a little longer. If it is still present after six months, then the diarrhoea should be investigated further. This is especially important if you have any other symptoms such as bleeding, cramping or intermittent constipation as well as the diarrhoea. Your doctor will be able to investigate to see if your symptoms are a prolonged or delayed complication of the radiation treatment, or if there is another cause which may require specific treatment (for example infection, or other types of chronic inflammation). Investigations such as a barium enema or a colonoscopy, may be useful in working out the cause and deciding the correct treatment for the diarrhoea.

There is every likelihood that your diarrhoea is a continuing side effect of your radiotherapy, and that it may be possible to manage it to make things easier for you, but you need to first confirm that this is the case, then discuss the specifics of treatment with your doctor.


Content last reviewed: 29 May 2006
Page last modified: 12 June 2006

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