Exercise, Dietary Habits, and Defecatory Dysfunction in Patients Living with Colorectal Cancer: A Preliminary Quantitative Study

Abstract

This study investigated the association of exercise and dietary habits with defecatory dysfunction in patients living with colorectal cancer. We recruited 61 adult patients who had undergone surgery within the past 20 years and attended outpatient clinics at designated cancer hospitals in Japan. Defecatory dysfunction was defined as any symptom caused by issues with colon and anal function, including fecal incontinence, evacuation difficulties, frequent stools, diarrhea, and constipation. Exercise and dietary habits were assessed via a quantitative questionnaire survey. Postoperative defecatory dysfunction occurred in all the patients. Multivariate analysis revealed no association between exercise habits and defecatory dysfunction; however, dietary fiber intake ≥4 times a week was associated with frequent stools (adjusted odds ratio, 5.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.10, 23.70). These findings suggest a need to alleviate defecatory dysfunction by improving one’s dietary habits. Interventions aimed at alleviating defecatory dysfunction by improving the dietary habits in patients living with colorectal cancer are needed.