Urinary incontinence

Abstract

Urinary incontinence is a common side effect of prostate cancer treatment. While nearly one in five men over the age of 60 years reports some degree of urinary incontinence, one of the greatest risk factors for incontinence is the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Despite advances in our understanding of pelvic floor anatomy, surgical technique, and radiation delivery, nearly all local treatments for prostate cancer adversely impact urinary function. Because over 200,000 US men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012 and nearly one in six men will receive the diagnosis in their lifetime, the burdens of urinary incontinence will likely continue. Moreover, the economic burden of urinary incontinence following prostate cancer treatment is substantial. This chapter examines the implications of prostate cancer and its treatments on urinary function. After a review of the epidemiology and anatomic considerations surrounding urinary incontinence, its measurement and prostate cancer treatment outcomes are discussed. Finally, treatment options for men with urinary incontinence after prostate cancer treatment are reviewed.