Prostate cancer and urinary incontinence

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and an increasing proportion of men are being diagnosed with localised disease. Urinary incontinence is uncommon in healthy men, but may develop as a result of curative treatment for prostate cancer. The optimal therapy remains undefined so the treatment associated morbidity is an important determinant in patient choice. Urinary incontinence may also develop from tumour progression during deferred treatment, sphincter involvement in advanced disease or surgery for symptomatic malignant bladder outlet obstruction. As urinary incontinence is known to have a significant impact on health related quality of life, we have reviewed the literature on incontinence related to prostate cancer and its treatment.