Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the Great Southern Region. In 2017 this represented 33.5% (n=85) of all male cancer diagnoses in the region, higher than the state-wide incidence of 28.4%. (WA Cancer Registry 2020). Side effects associated with prostate cancer treatment seems to be under reported by patients.
Thirty patients have completed the 18 point questionnaire with the study continuing. Age of the patients ranged from 65 to 89. Majority of patients had received previous treatments of either chemotherapy or radiotherapy (n=23) however only a minority of patients self-reported having had surgical management for prostate cancer (n=9).
Urinary incontinence was identified as a moderate or significant problem by 55% of patients and urinary control was identified as a significant problem by 25%. 18% of patients identified urinary leakage as an issue. 32% of patients had to use at least 1 pad due to urinary incontinence with 2 patients needing 3 or more pads daily. Urinary frequency was identified by 42% of patients as a moderate to major problem with the same proportion of patients identifying weak urine stream and incomplete emptying as an issue.
All the patients self-reported inability to attain an erection however only 50% of those patients identified it as a problem. 44% of patients identified hot flushes and breast enlargement as a significant issue.
Importantly 40% of men in our population reported at least a small problem with depression, 2 patients reporting this as a big problem. A lack of energy was frequently experienced by patients with 50% reporting this as a moderate or big problem.
This study gives an idea about extent of treatment complications. Improving physician awareness and establishing dedicated services can help in addressing these complications.