Description

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of CRC is known to be high in developed countries and increases with socioeconomic development. Well-known risk factors include aging, alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity. In addition to family history, lifestyle changes in diet, occupation, or physical activity may also emerge as risk factors for CRC. Previous research findings have shown a significant association between reduced physical activity and an increased risk of CRC. With improved patient survival rates, functional outcomes such as fecal incontinence, urinary, and sexual dysfunction are becoming increasingly important, as they are known to significantly impact quality of life (QoL). Reviewing the functional outcomes of rectal cancer surgeries, it is observed that even years after surgery, one-third of patients suffer from fecal incontinence. In contrast, studies on the functional outcomes following colon cancer surgeries are rare and often involve relatively small study populations. Previous studies have shown that physical activity in cancer survivors can have numerous beneficial health effects and is associated with a reduced risk of cancer recurrence and mortality in cases of colon and rectal cancer.