Myth #9 - Carcinoid Syndrome is the only cause of diarrhoea
No. There are many causes of diarrhoea in those who have a neuroendocrine cancer - carcinoid syndrome is only one. Others include: Infection, food intolerance, irritable bowel disorders e.g. crohns or colitis, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency (PEI), small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), short-bowel syndrome, bile salt malabsorption (BSM), menstrual cycle, anxiety, medications...the list is long. If you have diarrhoea then it is important to talk this through with your specialist team, being as descriptive as possible: how often it occurs, when it occurs, what colour it is. This can help to identify the cause and allow for appropriate treatment. NB not everyone with a neuroendocrine cancer has diarrhoea - indeed many may experience constipation. Bowel health is important - so if your usual bowel habit changes - let your specialist team know. Further information on factors that may cause diarrhoea and constipation can be found in the MENETS “Nutrition and Neuroendocrine Cancer” booklet, available through our website by clicking HERE
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