Epidemiological studies demonstrated a growing number of gynecological cancer survivors, and this population is at great risk of developing pelvic floor dysfunction after cancer and its treatment. Representing the most prevalent pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence affects up to 70% of gynecological cancer survivors. International practice guidelines, in line with available meta-analysis, recommend physiotherapy as a first-line treatment to reduce urinary incontinence. However, there is limited evidence on its effectiveness in gynecological cancer survivors. Considering the current knowledge and the negative impacts of urinary incontinence, there is an urgent need to examine whether this population can benefit from this intervention in a pilot study, to conduct eventually a larger randomized controlled trial. The objectives of the present study are to examine the feasibility and to explore the effects of a physiotherapy treatment compared to standard usual care in gynecological cancer survivors with urinary incontinence. A total of 44 participants will be randomized to receive either physiotherapy or standard usual care (wait-list for physiotherapy). Baseline and post-treatment evaluations will be realized by a physiotherapist.
The aims of this pilot study are to examine the feasibility and to explore the effects of a physiotherapy treatment compared to standard usual care in gynecological cancer survivors with urinary incontinence in preparation of a large randomized controlled study.