Urinary Incontinence in Cancer Survivors - Hamitha Noorus

bladder cancer survivor bladder control blader cancer cancer survivors diabetes dysuria frequent urination pelvic floor pelvic floor exercises pelvic floor muscle training pelvic floor physical therapy prostate cancer prostate cancer survivor urinary incontinence urination urgency Mar 21, 2025

Urinary incontinence is a common and often challenging side effect for cancer survivors, especially those who have undergone treatments for prostate and gynecological cancers. In this article, we will explore the symptoms of urinary incontinence, its impact on cancer survivors, and strategies for managing this condition.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can vary depending on its type and underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

Leaking or dribbling urine accidentally
Urgency: A sudden, overwhelming need to urinate, or the fear of not reaching the toilet in time
Frequency: Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual
Dysuria: Pain or burning sensation when urinating

How Urinary Incontinence Affects Cancer Survivors

The impact of urinary incontinence on cancer survivors extends beyond physical symptoms. It can lead to:

Fear of being noticed: The anxiety that involuntary leakage will be visible to others, due to stains on clothing or an unpleasant odor
Limited freedom in daily life: The constant worry about leaks can restrict participation in regular activities
Feelings of exclusion: Survivors may feel different from others and experience a sense of social isolation
Emotional burden: Incontinence can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and diminished self-worth

In this article, we will focus on the experiences of prostate and gynecological cancer survivors dealing with urinary incontinence.

1. Urinary Incontinence in Prostate Cancer Survivors

Urinary incontinence is a major, chronic issue for many men after prostate cancer treatments, particularly prostatectomy. Studies show that:

Up to 90% of men who undergo prostatectomy experience some degree of urinary incontinence.
About 30% of these men continue to experience incontinence years after surgery.
Approximately 15% still face daily urinary leakage five years post-surgery.

Impact on Daily Life:

Urinary incontinence leads to several challenges for prostate cancer survivors, such as:

Physical discomfort: Constant use of protective pads, risk of skin infections, and other physical health concerns.
Emotional toll: Many survivors feel embarrassed, isolated, or frustrated by the loss of control.
Financial burden: The need for incontinence products can add to the cost of care and caregiving responsibilities.

Even using a single pad per day can be emotionally and physically distressing.

Exercise and Prostate Cancer:

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), with or without additional therapies, has been shown to improve continence outcomes after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.
Clinical exercise, including supervised exercise programs, has been shown to improve incontinence, fitness, fatigue, body composition, and overall quality of life (QoL) in prostate cancer survivors.
Studies suggest that supervised exercise is more effective than non-supervised exercise.

2. Urinary Incontinence in Gynecological Cancer Survivors

Incontinence, either from the urinary tract or the anal sphincter, is a common and burdensome side effect of gynecological cancer treatment.

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is widely recommended as an effective first-line treatment for both urinary and fecal incontinence.
PFMT helps improve physical activity levels and enhances QoL by strengthening pelvic floor muscles.

For many gynecological cancer survivors, PFMT provides significant relief and helps patients regain a sense of control over their bodies.

3. Tips for Managing Bladder Incontinence

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the following strategies can help manage urinary incontinence:

1. Avoid Irritants That Can Worsen Incontinence:

Certain substances can irritate your bladder and worsen symptoms:

Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners
Some medications, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants Always consult your doctor or cancer care team before making any changes to your medications.

2. Track Your Bladder Habits:

Keeping a bladder diary can help you track your fluid intake, urination frequency, leakage episodes, and other symptoms.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers a free bladder diary that can help you monitor your habits.

3. Use Incontinence Products:

Incontinence products can help manage leaks, especially when out in public or during sleep. These products are not a treatment, but they can provide comfort:

Washable or disposable incontinence underwear
Waterproof underwear
Incontinence pads
Waterproof mattress covers for sleeping
External catheters for urine collection

When choosing products, consider whether disposable or reusable products suit your needs and lifestyle. Also, ensure you change your products promptly to prevent skin irritation.

4. Skin Care:

If you use incontinence products, take good care of your skin. Urine can irritate the skin, so make sure to change pads or underwear as soon as they are wet. Use creams or lotions to prevent skin irritation and breakdown.

5. Consult Your Doctor:

If you experience:

Burning or pain when urinating
Flank pain (pain in the sides of your lower back)
Unexplained fever

Consult your doctor or cancer care team immediately. Make sure you know when to seek medical help, especially during non-office hours.

Conclusion

Urinary incontinence is a challenging and often debilitating condition for cancer survivors, but there are effective ways to manage it. By following these tips and consulting with your healthcare team, you can improve both your physical comfort and emotional well-being.

For further reading and resources:

Hamitha Noorus - BPT, CDRS, CETI OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist

Hamitha can be contacted at: [email protected]

Start your journey to becoming an OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist with our world-leading courses in oncology exercise.

Enroll to Become a Cancer Exercise Specialist Today