INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING OF HEALTH STATUS IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH COLORECTAL CANCER
INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING OF HEALTH STATUS IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH COLORECTAL CANCER

Author(s): Tatiana Andreea Mihai, Ligia RUSU
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Sociology, Health and medicine and law, Sports Studies
Published by: Discobolul Publishing House
Keywords: colorectal cancer; physical exercise; inflammatory markers; quality of life;
Summary/Abstract: Physical exercise plays a critical role in managing and preventing colorectal cancer, significantly influencing survival, quality of life, and disease progression. This preliminary study evaluated 11 subjects (mean age: 65 years), including 6 with colorectal cancer and 5 with high-grade dysplasia. Functional, haematological, and biochemical assessments focused on inflammatory markers’ response to physical activity. Assessment tools included the SF-36 questionnaire for quality of life, the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale for functional capacity, and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire for health status. Inflammatory markers, such as IL-6 and fibrinogen, were also analysed alongside hemogram, Quick time, and APTT. A physical exercise program was implemented with the purpose of reducing fatigue, improve postural control, fitness, muscle strength, range of motion, and enhance overall quality of life. Functional capacity improved in 8 out of 11 patients (72.72%), with blood parameter changes observed in hemogram (27.27%), APTT (18.18%), fibrinogen (9.09%), and IL-6 (9.09%). Quality of life improvements were recorded in 90.91% (SF-36), 100% (Karnofsky scale), and 100% (EQ-5D-5L) of patients. The study highlights that structured physical exercise reduces fatigue, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and pain, while enhancing self-confidence and the ability to participate in daily activities. These findings support integrating exercise programs into therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer management.

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