Most men suffer some deterioration in their quality of life after treatment for prostate cancer, a new study has discovered. Post-operative problems range from urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, depression, and hormonal problems.
The three standard surgical procedures for prostate cancer – prostatectomy, radiotherapy or brachytherapy – each comes with its own set of problems. The single biggest change occurs with prostatectomy, with more than half the patients complaining about sexual problems afterwards.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School followed 1,201 patients after prostate cancer treatment. Generally, patients who have nerve-sparing procedures with the therapy seem to fare better.
(Source: New England Journal of Medicine, 2008; 358: 1250-1261).