Low-Residue Diet in Treating Diarrhea in Patients Receiving Pelvic Radiation Therapy.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Diagnosis of uterine, cervical, or prostate cancer * Current patient at the Ireland/Case Comprehensive Cancer Center * Planning pelvic radiation therapy within the next 4 months PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Performance status * Not specified Life expectancy * Not specified Hematopoietic * Not specified Hepatic * Not specified Renal * Not specified Gastrointestinal * No enteric support * No inflammatory bowel disease Other * No other concurrent illness or medical condition that would preclude study compliance * No history of allergies or dietary intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance) that would preclude study treatment or interfere with study results PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Chemotherapy * No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy * Concurrent hormonal therapy allowed (e.g., testosterone suppression) Radiotherapy * See Disease Characteristics Surgery * No prior colectomy Other * No concurrent glutamine, psyllium, or other fiber supplements (e.g., Benefiber\^® or Metamucil\^®)