Long-term consequences of gynecological cancer treatment on urinary incontinence: a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To study urinary incontinence among long-term survivors of gynecological cancer.

Study design: In a population-based, cross-sectional design, we identified 319 recurrence-free survivors of gynecological cancer, and 1,276 controls without a history of gynecological cancer. All participants were addressed with a 16-pages questionnaire covering issues of quality of life, general health, daily living conditions, natural functions and co-morbidities. Following 1 reminder, the response rates were 55 and 41% for cases and controls, respectively. Urinary incontinence (total, stress, urge and mixed) was in agreement with definitions of the International Continence Society.

Results: Mean relapse-free follow-up time after treatment was 12 years (range: 8-17 years) for cases. The prevalence of total, stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence were 34.3, 24, 0.8 and 9.5%, respectively. Previous gynecological cancer treatment was not associated with any outcomes of urinary incontinence. Obesity, previous and current use of HRT were associated with total, stress and mixed urinary incontinence, whereas increasing parity order was associated with total and stress urinary incontinence. In comparison with single factor analyses, the combination of obesity and parity 2+ had a multiplicative effect on total, stress and mixed incontinence.

Conclusion: Recurrence-free long-term survivors of gynecological cancer are not at increased risk for urinary incontinence.