Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Assist with Prostate Cancer & Treatment Side Effects

By Laura Ritchie, MPT, MCISc (Manip), FCAMPT Registered Physiotherapist,  Centric Health Physiotherapy and Wellness, London, Ontario

Prostate Cancer and its Treatment Discussed in Webinar by Dr. Bobby Shayegan

On October 3, 2014 I listened to an interesting webinar on prostate cancer and its treatment, presented by Dr. Bobby Shayegan and hosted by the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network.

Dr. Shayegan is currently an associate professor in the department of surgery at McMaster University.  He received his MD and completed his urology residency from the University of Toronto.  He subsequently pursued a fellowship in urologic oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

After the webinar I asked Dr. Shayegan a question about the potential side effects of treatment for this type of cancer. He reported that stress incontinence is a common short-term concern following surgery, while urgency incontinence and bleeding are more likely following radiation therapy.

Dr. Shayegan added that sexual dysfunction can occur with both types of treatment and that with radiation in particular, at least half of patients develop erectile dysfunction over time (but not necessarily right away).

How Physiotherapists with Specialized Training in Cancer Rehabilitation Can Help with Prostate Cancer Side Effects

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can assist with both urological and sexual dysfunction.

Dr. Shayegan also reported bones can become thinner and weaker as a result of treatment and that weight-bearing is recommended to counter this. Physiotherapists with specialized training in Cancer Rehabilitation can prescribe a safe and effective exercise program for this purpose.

The webinar is still available for viewing on the CCSN website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Recommendations for Men's Cancer Awareness Signal Need for Cancer Rehab Services

Cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health physiotherapy can help overcome the side effects of cancer treatment

Recommendations for Men's Cancer Health Awareness

Prostate Cancer Canada's recommendations urge men to have baseline PSA testing in their 40s rather than waiting until they are in their 50s. Risk factors include diet, age, race, lifestyle and family history. There are a number of nationwide events being held to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

The Role of Cancer Rehab in Prostate Cancer Treatment

Cancer rehab and physiotherapy can help prostate cancer patients manage the side effects of prostate cancer treatment. With approximately 25% of all new cancer cases diagnosed in Canada being for prostate cancer and an estimated 23,600 Canadian men diagnosed with the disease in 2013, there is a growing need for rehabilitation services for prostate cancer patients.

Exercise prescriptions are also an integral part of cancer rehabilitation. A study lead by the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California reported that exercise and diet can actually reduce prostate cancer risk, in addition to helping prostate cancer patients with pain and fatigue.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Helps Prostate Cancer Patients

Prostate cancer can be treated by radiation, chemotherapy, hormone suppression therapy, and surgery to remove the prostate, among other therapies.  There are a number of issues following treatment that can be alleviated through cancer rehabilitation. Pelvic Health therapists have received additional training in pelvic floor rehabilitation to treat pelvic floor dysfunction such as:

• Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence
• Bowel dysfunction including chronic constipation
• Sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction
• Pre and post-operative prostate surgery
• Chronic pelvic pain

Cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health physiotherapy  are relatively new and emerging areas of specialty for physiotherapists in Canada. They have a great deal to offer in terms of drug free alternatives to overcoming the side effects of cancer treatment. Many people, including physicians, are not yet aware of the many rehabilitation options that have been recently developed based on the latest scientific research. A specially trained physiotherapist may be able to help alleviate or improve your problems, allowing you to resume your previous lifestyle.

How to Get Cancer Rehabilitation

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Ontario
British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Nova Scotia

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