Exercise and cancer: return to work as a firefighter with ostomy after rectal carcinoma – a case report

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer survivors are deconditioned through anticancer therapy. Furthermore, about 10% of them have a permanent ostomy which is associated with weakened abdominal muscles and an increased risk of a hernia. This case study reports on how a firefighter with rectal carcinoma and ostomy was trained to regain operational fitness. METHODS A 44-year-old firefighter (178 cm, 82 kg) with an adenocarcinoma of the rectum (diagnosed 24 months prior) had been treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and surgery. After 2 temporary ileostomies, a permanent colostomy was performed 14 weeks before the start of a 9-months training program. The program included sensorimotor, endurance, and strength training of increasing volume and intensity. Endurance, strength, and patient reported outcomes were assessed every 2 to 3 months. RESULTS Training frequency varied from 1 to 3 sessions/week, although 3 to 5 sessions/week were prescribed. Peak power output was 150, 158, 167, 192, and 175 watts at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 9 months. Maximal oxygen uptake increased from 1.56 L/min (19.0 mL/min/kg) to 2.39 L/min (28.8 mL/min/kg) after 6 months. Maximal isokinetic peak torque (MIPT) of the knee extensors were 138.0 and 196.5 Nm (Newton meter) at baseline and 6 months. MIPT of the elbow and hip flexors increased from 51.8 to 66.0 Nm and 213.8 to 239.7 Nm, respectively, after 6 months. Physical fatigue decreased by 65% and distress by about 50% after 9 months. The firefighter passed a test for occupational fitness after 6 months and was permitted to work with an exterior crew on a pump truck. CONCLUSION It is possible for colorectal cancer survivors with ostomy to regain occupational fitness for physically demanding tasks like firefighting through an individually tailored and supervised training program.