The Importance of Preventive Physiotherapy in Patients Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Objective Prostate cancer (PCa) is observed in men aged 50 years and older. The incidence increases in parallel to aging. Survival rate for PCa increases with effective screening programs and therapies. Elongated life expectancy may lead to a decrease in quality of life, muscle strength and physical activity level; an increase in fatigue and sleep problems. To preclude the occurrence of these symptoms, the preventive physiotherapy approaches may be used in PCa patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitude of patients with PCa towards preventative physiotherapy approaches. Materials and Methods Patients who were diagnosed with PCa in Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology were invited to participate in the preventive physiotherapy services provided in Gazi University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Oncologic Rehabilitation Unit. Results Three hundred forty-four patients were invited, only 20 (5.8%) patients participated in the study. Twenty (5.8%) patients did not attend the appointment despite agreeing to participate in the study. Other 304 (88.4%) patients did not join the study for several reasons. Conclusion The reason for low participation rate may be inadequate information of PCa patients about preventive physiotherapy. The results of this study highlight the need for making preventive physiotherapy applications recognizable for PCa patients.

Keywords

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• awareness
• cancer rehabilitation