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

Introduction. 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.