After Prostate Cancer: Wearing the Badge of Survivor, Fearlessly

For years, the only alternative to absorbent products was the surgical implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter. In use for over 25 years, more than 100,000 AUS devices have been successfully implanted in men to treat SUI. Most men receiving such an implant report a very high level of satisfaction. It is, nevertheless, subject to mechanical failure and eventual replacement. It also requires manual dexterity to operate.

In recent years, the same medical device manufacturer, American Medical Systems, has developed a sling procedure for men. The FDA-approved, AdVance® device consists of a small sling made of synthetic mesh that is placed inside the body through three small incisions. Unlike an earlier generation, no screws or bone anchors are used. The sling supports but does not compress the urethra, thereby decreasing the potential for urethral erosion, or ulceration. In well-selected patients, results have shown that 40% of men are dry and 30% are improved following the AdVance sling procedure. Since it has been available only since October 2006, clinical data on its long-term effectiveness continue to be collected. Nevertheless, early results show the procedure to be safe and effective. Over 10,000 AdVance slings have been implanted worldwide.

With multiple solutions as options, men should not postpone seeking diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer, over concern with the risk of facing a remaining lifetime of incontinence. Those days are behind us.

Quality of life does not have to be permanently sacrificed in order to wear the badge of survivor. To learn more about treatment options, go to:

http://www.nafc.org/bladder-bowel-health/types-of-incontinence/stress-incontinence/male-stress-urinary-incontinence/#Non-Surgical

Headed for surgery? Get expert coaching on how to do those PMEs by ordering a cassette tape and instruction booklet from http://www.nafc.org/online-store/consumer-booklets-and-kits/nafc-kits/men-s-pelvic-muscle-exercise-kit/.

1 American Cancer Society (2008), available online and accessed on 4 March 2009 from http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_are_the_key_statistics_for_prostate_cancer_36.asp