Personalized Care Pathways for Bowel Symptoms in Rectal Cancer Patients
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd and 3rd most common cancer in respectively women and men, of which about 40% is located in the rectum. The gold standard treatment for rectal cancer (RC) is a low anterior resection, combined with chemoradiotherapy. However, this treatment will negatively impact different aspects of bowel function and the patients' quality of life. These bowel symptoms often remain prevalent, even at 12 months after RC treatment. Most assessment tools are however not capable of capturing the full range or therapeutic-related evolution of these bowel symptoms. Consequently, the aim is to develop a validated bowel diary for diagnosing and evaluation of all bowel symptoms.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Voluntary written informed consent of the participant or their legally authorized representative has been obtained prior to any screening procedures. At least 18 years of age at the time of signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF). Proficient in reading, comprehending, and conversing in Dutch . Patients diagnosed with a rectal tumour based on a pathology report.  Exclusion Criteria:  The participant has undergone a different type of surgery, including a Hartmann procedure, abdominoperineal excision, transanal endoscopic microsurgery, or sigmoid resection. Experienced fecal incontinence prior to undergoing surgery. Are affected by neurological disorders affecting bowel function. Already underwent previous pelvic surgery, previous pelvic radiation or rectal surgery for non-cancer reasons. - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult - StudyPopulation: Patients diagnosed with a rectal tumour based on a pathology report - SamplingMethod: Non-Probability Sample