Cancer affects one in three people during their lifetime, and as cancer treatments get more and more successful, there are many more living cancer-free. Many of the organs that are affected by cancer sit in proximity to other organs, which can be affected by treatments as well as the cancer itself. In this article, we’re going to cover some of the more common issues that can occur after cancer treatment and how they can be managed.

Urinary Control

There are many cancers that occur in the pelvis, and even when they aren’t directly linked to the waterworks, treatment can impact bladder function and control. The bladder relies on nerves to tell the brain when it’s full and for the brain to tell it when to empty. The muscles that control leakage also rely on nerves, but pelvic cancer surgery can affect these nerves, meaning the bladder may struggle to empty properly, or sometimes bladder control may be poor. 

Bladder capacity can also be reduced by treatments, including radiotherapy. The smaller your bladder capacity, the more frequently you will need to go to the loo. Treatments can also reduce the elasticity of the bladder, which can create urgency or even leakage as the bladder fills.

Whilst some bladder symptoms improve with time, some benefit from earlier intervention. If you are suffering urinary symptoms that are impacting your life, it’s important to talk to a specialist, as there is often something that can be done to improve or even resolve your symptoms. At Urology Clinics Manchester, we have access to expert investigations which can be used to assess the underlying cause and arrange the best management.

Urinary Tract Infections

One of the more commonly reported issues following cancer treatment is Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). It’s easy to think of a UTI as ‘just’ cystitis, and whilst many simple UTIs do resolve spontaneously, they can lead to serious infections, particularly when recovering from cancer treatment. Recurrent infections can be debilitating, affecting quality of life and preventing return to normal activities.

Infections can occur due to immunosuppression from cancer treatments (e.g. chemotherapy), though they can also occur due to surgery or hormone changes. Whilst simple measures, such as increasing fluid intake or probiotic yoghurts, may be enough to resolve the issue, if you are having problems, it is important to raise them with specialists like Urology Clinics Manchester, who may be able to control or even correct the underlying causes.

Hormone Imbalance

Cancer treatment in women can impact hormones, either because of surgery to remove the ovaries or because of drug treatments that impact hormone production. Low levels of hormones can affect vaginal health, bone density and bladder function, and are often associated with UTIs. Whilst it may not be possible to reverse the loss of these hormones, treatment may be able to minimise the impact it has.

Men being treated for prostate cancer often receive drugs to lower testosterone levels. This is a very effective way of controlling prostate cancer, but it can result in symptoms very similar to those women suffer from hormone deficiency. Men particularly suffer from muscle loss and tiredness, and whilst these side effects are a sign of testosterone suppression (which is desirable in prostate cancer), there are ways of managing these symptoms.

Sexual Health

When treating cancer, patients often put sex on the back burner, but as they return to normal activity, sex becomes more of a priority. Treatments can affect the nerves that supply the penis, making it difficult to gain or maintain an erection. Some treatments mean that when a man orgasms they may not produce any ejaculate. Nerve damage can also affect a woman’s orgasmic function, and surgery (as well as hormones) can affect the vagina, making penetrative intercourse difficult. Body image after treatment can often be a major issue, but one that can be easily overlooked by loved ones. Sex drive can be impacted by lower hormone levels, which can be frustrating for patients and their partners alike, whilst at the same time, may not be apparent from the outside.

There are many treatments that can help in these situations, and open conversations with specialists who understand these issues and how important they are will always help guide treatments to help you and your partner achieve your best outcomes.

Summary

Cancer treatment can be lifesaving, but shouldn’t be life-destroying. Whilst most cancers and their treatments will have an impact on you, there are many ways that these effects can be mitigated or corrected, and the sooner they are addressed, the more likely it is that the impact can be minimised.

With a team of highly specialist cancer surgeons and some of the best functional urologists, Urology Clinics Manchester can help you navigate successful cancer treatment and recovery to your best life afterwards. If you do have problems after cancer treatment, don’t suffer unnecessarily – it’s always good to talk things through with an expert team, as there is help available.

By Mr Jeremy Oates
Consultant Urological Surgeon with an interest in advanced pelvic cancers.

­­Find out more at www.urologyclinics.co.uk   /   Contact Urology Clinics Manchester e: info@urologyclinics.co.uk