Abstract

Recently, the research on pelvic floor physiotherapy has produced a great body of evidence. Pelvic cancers, such as gynecological, prostate, and colorectal, hinder pelvic floor function leading to micturition disorders, anorectal complaints, and sexual dysfunction. These dysfunctions manifest among men and women with pelvic floor symptoms (such as lower urinary tract and bowel symptoms), negatively affecting the patients’ quality of life. Several treatments have been proposed over the years to improve these complaints. Specifically, physiotherapy has arisen as an ally to prevent and treat not only the pelvic floor symptoms, but also other side effects due to cancer treatments. Aim: To provide an overview on the role of pelvic floor physiotherapy and its research development in the continuum of gynecological, prostate, and colorectal cancer care. In this chapter, we discuss the fundamental basics of pelvic floor research, current physiotherapy assessment, and treatment approaches and modalities throughout pelvic floor oncology. An overview is also provided on pelvic floor rehabilitation for gynecological, prostate, and colorectal cancers. In addition, we present a description of the systemic repercussions of chemoradiotherapy among pelvic cancer patients and its relevance for pelvic floor physiotherapy. Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of pelvic floor symptoms among patients with gynecological, prostate, and colorectal cancers. It improves the quality of life and functioning of cancer survivors.