Most people who have treatment for cancer as a young adult will not get bowel or bladder problems. Bowel or bladder problems can develop during or shortly after treatment finishes. They can also happen a long time after treatment.

Radiotherapy to the pelvis can cause late effects on the bowel and bladder. These can often be managed or treated successfully. Some people may need to consult a bowel or bladder specialist for more specialised help. There are different treatments available.

You can often manage late effects on the bowel by changing your diet. This could include reducing how much high-fibre food you eat. You can take medicines to control diarrhoea or constipation.

Pelvic late effects on the bladder may mean you need to pass urine (pee) more often. You may also leak a small amount of urine (incontinence). It is important to drink lots of fluids and avoid things that can irritate the bladder – for example, caffeine and alcohol. Stopping smoking can also help with effects on the bowel and bladder.

If you have problems with bowel or bladder control, ask your nurse for a referral to a continence adviser. They can talk to you about pelvic floor exercises or bladder training to help bladder control. Keeping to a healthy weight will also help. This relieves pressure on your pelvic floor.

For more information on the effects on the bowel and bladder, please follow the below links:

Understanding the late effects of cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support

Late effects of pelvic radiotherapy | Macmillan Cancer Support

Managing bladder late effects | Macmillan Cancer Support