Five-Year Incidence of Urinary Incontinence in 68,066 Breast Cancer Patients Followed in Gynecology Practices in Germany

TL;DR

This study found that about 6% of breast cancer patients in Germany developed urinary incontinence within five years, with age and certain conditions increasing the risk.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the five-year incidence of urinary incontinence in both pre and postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Findings

5.8% of breast cancer patients developed urinary incontinence within five years.

Older age groups had a significantly higher risk of urinary incontinence.

Aromatase inhibitor therapy was associated with a lower risk of urinary incontinence.

Abstract

Purpose: Previous data showed an increased risk of developing urinary incontinence in breast cancer patients. However, there is a lack of studies including both pre and postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of subsequent urinary incontinence in breast cancer patients and variables associated with an increased urinary incontinence. Methods: This study utilized IQVIA Disease Analyzer database to examine the five-year cumulative incidence of urinary incontinence among 68,066 women diagnosed with breast cancer in gynecological practices in Germany between January 2005 and December 2021 by using Kaplan–Meier curves, stratified by age group. Multivariable Cox regression models were conducted to assess the association between age, co-diagnoses, and endocrine therapy (tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors) and incident urinary incontinence. Results: Within five years of the start of follow-up, 5.8% of women were diagnosed with urinary incontinence. Age (HR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.21–1.54 for age 51–60; HR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.84–2.31 for age group 61–70 and HR = 2.71; 95% CI = 2.42–3.04 for age group >70 as compared to age group ≤50), depression (HR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.25–1.59) and menopausal and other perimenopausal disorders (HR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.10–1.27) were associated with an increased urinary incontinence risk. The association was negative and statistically significant for aromatase inhibitor therapy (HR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.66–0.78) as compared to women without endocrine therapy, whereas tamoxifen therapy was not associated with decreased or increased urinary incontinence risk. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study reports an 5.8% incidence of urinary incontinence within five years after breast cancer diagnosis. Age-related differences and co-diagnoses should be taken into account.

Figures