1*Final Year Student, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad
2Assistant Professor, Department of Oncology Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad
3Associate Professor, Department of Oncology Physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad
Corresponding Author: Sakshi Prakash Yadav
Background: Gynecological malignancies—including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, often require radiotherapy and chemotherapy as primary treatment modalities. Although these treatments are effective in targeting cancerous cells, they can also give rise to musculoskeletal and urological issues. Low back pain (LBP) and urinary incontinence (UI) are among the most commonly reported complications, often neglected despite their significant impact on patients' overall life satisfaction and independent functioning.
Aim: To assess the prevalence of low back pain and urinary incontinence among patients undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy for gynecological cancers.
Methods: This observational study included 116 female patients diagnosed with various gynecological malignancies in Karad, between December 2024 and June 2025. Inclusion criteria were adults aged (>18 years) undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and able to provide informed consent. Individuals with a prior history of low back pain (LBP), urinary incontinence (UI), or psychiatric illness were excluded. The intensity of pain was evaluated using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), while evaluation of urinary incontinence was assessed with the help of UDI-6 questionnaire.
Results: Among 116 gynecological cancer patients, cervical cancer (41.4%) was the most common, followed by ovarian (34.5%) and endometrial cancers (12.9%), with the highest prevalence observed in the 40–59 age group. The majority (69%) underwent combined chemoradiotherapy. Urinary incontinence was reported by 61.1% of patients with moderate to very severe symptoms (mean UDI-6 score 7.44). Low back pain was prevalent, with mean NPRS scores of 2.9 at rest and 4.34 during activity, showing a significant association between rest and activity pain levels (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Low back pain and urinary incontinence are highly prevalent among gynecological cancer patients undergoing treatment. This finding underscoring the need for integrating physiotherapy, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and pain management into routine oncological care to improve quality of life.
Keywords: Chemotherapy, Gynecological cancer, Low back pain, Radiotherapy, Urinary incontinence
How to cite this article: Yadav SP, Patil D, Yadav T. Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Urinary Incontinence in Gynecological Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(13s): 909-915. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.13s.102.
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None