Cancer and Incontinence: What You Need To Know

A cancer diagnosis can turn your life upside down, and there are plenty of unexpected changes that you may be dealing with as a result. For some women, one of these changes comes in the form of urinary incontinence (leaking urine).

There are so many women who feel alone in their struggles. That's why we want to remove some of the mystery behind cancer-related bladder troubles and have created a full guide on the link between cancer and incontinence.

Causes Of Incontinence In Cancer Patients

Cancer can already feel incredibly isolating, and it can feel even more overwhelming when you're faced with an 'embarrassing' condition like incontinence. But there's no need to feel alone. In fact, at Jude, we believe in eliminating the stigma associated with women's health - particularly their bladder health.

Part of taking control of your health is understanding how your cancer diagnosis can affect your bladder, especially when it comes to urinary incontinence. With this information, you can take your first steps to relieving your symptoms and feeling more like yourself.

Cancer-related causes

Tumours near the bladder or colon

Tumours on or near your colon or bladder can put a lot of pressure on your bladder. In turn, this can lead to bladder problems like dysfunction or incontinence. For example, colon cancer can compress or even invade the nearby organs, impacting your bladder function.

Brain and spinal cord tumours

If you have been diagnosed with tumours on your spine or brain, you may be more likely to suffer from incontinence. These tumours can disrupt the nerves that control your bladder, meaning that your brain and bladder can't communicate as effectively as they should.

Lung and esophageal cancers

In some cases, lung cancers can cause persistent or chronic coughing. Chronic coughing can aggravate stress incontinence - a condition where pressure from laughing, coughing, or exercise can cause leaks. While lung cancer itself doesn’t directly cause incontinence the stress from persistent coughing may contribute to leaks in people already susceptible to stress incontinence.

Treatment-related causes

Surgery

The risk of incontinence in cancer patients may be slightly higher if they have undergone specific surgeries. For example, if your cervix or uterus has been removed via a cervicectomy or hysterectomy, it can lead to incontinence. These surgeries can unfortunately change your pelvic anatomy and weaken your pelvic floor muscles, which are essential for supporting your bladder.

Additionally, a cystectomy (where the bladder is removed) can also impact your bladder control. This is because a urinary diversion is required to help manage your urine flow.

Radiation

Radiation therapies that target the pelvis can cause inflammation and scarring of your bladder and the tissues that surround it. As a result, it can cause a condition known as radiation cystitis.

Radiation cystitis may lead to symptoms like urinary urgency, more frequent urination, pain and, of course, incontinence.

Chemotherapy

Certain chemotherapy treatments can cause peripheral neuropathy, which typically affects the hands and feet, though in rare cases it may impact bladder function, also. Hormonal treatments associated with cancer therapy (such as for breast or prostate cancer) can lead to hormonal changes that may indirectly affect bladder control.

Managing Incontinence After Cancer Treatments

Even after completing your cancer treatments, you may struggle with urinary problems like incontinence. While this is common, you don’t need to suffer in silence.

If you find that you're still dealing with incontinence symptoms once your treatments have ended, it's best to consult your GP or oncologist. They can help you form a management plan that works for you and your specific set of circumstances.

However, these management tips may come in handy as part of your treatment regime:

Bladder training

In mild cases of incontinence, bladder training can come in handy. This usually involves a healthcare professional helping you create a 'schedule' for your bathroom breaks and slowly increasing the time between your trips to the loo.

To help you manage the urge to pee, you can use relaxation or breathing techniques between your scheduled times. In turn, this can strengthen your bladder muscles and overall control.

Just remember to use your discretion. After all, you don't want any unnecessary accidents. Rather, hold in your pee for as long as you comfortably can. And, if you need to use the toilet before your next scheduled trip, it's always best to listen to your body.

A bladder retraining program is best completed under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can assess whether it will work for you and how best to pace yourself throughout the day.

Diet changes

In most cases of incontinence, eating foods or drinking fluids that cause bladder irritation can make your symptoms worse. So, by watching your intake, you can help reduce the discomfort associated with your urinary problems.

Ideally, try to cut out spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and acidic foods and drinks. You should also avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol. In conjunction with other home remedies, a balanced diet can help manage the frequency of your trips to the bathroom and reduce the urgency you're experiencing.

Pelvic floor exercises

One of the most helpful ways to strengthen your bladder is to focus on your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles help support your bladder and can therefore give you better control.

Exercises like Kegels can be extremely beneficial, but you should always discuss incorporating them into your routine with your doctor. A physical therapist can also help guide you through these exercises safely. This may be particularly helpful if you're struggling with hypertonic pelvic floor disorder.

Medicines

In more severe cases of incontinence, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you manage your symptoms. Typically, these medications work by relaxing the bladder muscles and reducing the frequency of contractions (which cause the urge to pee).

Medical devices

Some people may be offered medical devices or procedures to help treat incontinence related to cancer. It is best to discuss these with your urologist/ oncologist to ensure you understand both the benefits and potential risks of a medical device or procedure.

Protective products

Unintentionally passing urine can be more than just uncomfortable. It can also be extremely embarrassing and cause anxiety of accidents when you're away from home. But you don't have to live in constant fear when you're using the right incontinence products.

For example, our incontinence pads are specifically designed to be comfortable and ultra-absorbent. This means you can head out with confidence and stay dry all day long.

Alternatively, you can use leak-proof pants to give you peace of mind. Not only are they soft and secure, but they're also super discreet. With the right pair, you can kiss your incontinence anxiety goodbye and enjoy the freedom you deserve.

FAQs

What type of cancer causes incontinence?

There are several types of cancer that can lead to incontinence. However, it's important to remember that in some cases, incontinence can be a side effect of cancer treatment rather than caused by the cancer itself.

Still, some of the most common cancers that are associated with urinary incontinence include:

• Bladder cancer

• Cervical cancer or cancer of the uterus

• Colon cancer

• Tumours on the spinal cord or brain

Is incontinence a symptom of something more serious?

Incontinence may be linked to some cancers, but that doesn't mean that you need to panic if you're experiencing leaks. There are other causes of incontinence including hormonal changes such as lower estrogen levels due to menopause. However, as with any new symptom it is best to see your doctor to get relevant tests and investigations. If you are experiencing any red flag symptoms such as blood in your urine, severe pain or a sudden change in your bathroom habits then arranging for an urgent appointment with your GP is essential to ensure potentially serious causes can be ruled out.

Does incontinence caused by cancer ever go away?

Incontinence that is caused by cancer can be improved or even resolved; however, this depends on factors like:

• The cause of your leaks

• The severity of the condition

• The cancer treatments

• The type of cancer

Remember: Although not every case of incontinence can be cured, there are plenty of ways to manage this condition. Plus, women who have comprehensive treatment plans can regain control of their bladders with ongoing management.

Final Thoughts

The link between cancer and incontinence is anything but simple. But dealing with incontinence doesn't mean you have to put your life on pause. Instead, you can use several different management or treatments to help reduce your symptoms and live the care-free life you deserve.

Just remember: You aren't alone in your journey. With the right support from your medical team, friends, and family, you can overcome these challenges and enjoy yourself without the worry of leaks or discomfort.

Jude’s clinically proven supplements give you better bladder and pelvic floor control, helping you sleep through the night and regain the freedom to live life on your own terms. With just one capsule morning and night, you'll have relief from need-to-go urgency in just 12 weeks.