Prevention of Constipation in Cancer Patients

Constipation is the third most common symptom in patients undergoing chemotherapy, with an incidence rate ranging from 31% to 90%. Despite its high prevalence and adverse effects on patients, constipation is often not reported by patients and is not frequently monitored by nurses, resulting in delays in treatment and care. Prolonged constipation can lead to health problems such as fecal impaction/obstruction, hemorrhoids, rectal pain, and intestinal perforation, thereby reducing patients' quality of life. Additionally, increased severity of constipation in cancer patients may lead to the interruption or complete cessation of chemotherapy. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and assess patients for the risk of developing constipation and to implement an effective nursing care protocol. Abdominal massage is an approach that increases peristalsis, i.e., digestive system movement, by altering intra-abdominal pressure, thereby reducing the severity of constipation.