Radiotherapy had a negative effect on sexual function, which was greatest at 6 months, although it recovered soon after and remained stable. Little effect on urinary continence with radiotherapy was observed; bowel function was, however, worse at 6 months.
Among patients treated with active monitoring, sexual and urinary function gradually declined.
Quality of life among patients reflected the reported changes in function, with no significant differences observed among the groups in measures of anxiety, depression, or general health- or cancer-related quality of life.
Article republished by permission from the Prostate Health Education Network.