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. 2004 Apr 29;7(2):126–141. doi: 10.1111/j.1369-7625.2004.00271.x

Table 2.

An example of the information provided in the decision aid

Issue No treatment for now Radiotherapy Surgery
Effect on bladder  functioning If you choose no treatment for now, growth  of the prostate cancer can sometimes  affect your ability to pass urine. This  happens in about four of 100 men in your  situation within 10 years. The problem can  usually be corrected with a day‐surgery  procedure. Temporary: 
You will probably need to empty your bladder more  frequently starting in the third or fourth week of  radiation treatment. This happens to about 60 of  100 men who have radiation. Also, you may have  some discomfort when you empty your bladder.  These symptoms last until 2–3 weeks after treatment. 
 Months or years after radiation treatment, scar  tissue may develop and interfere with the flow of  urine. This happens to about two of 100 men  receiving radiation and can usually be corrected  with a day‐surgery procedure. 
Permanent:
A few men have to empty their bladder more frequently  after radiation. In addition, some men who have had  radiation develop problems with bladder control:  of these men, __ of 100 have dribbling that requires  a pad to keep their clothes dry; and __lose total control,  needing either an adult diaper or a tube inserted into  their bladder to drain the urine into a bag. Temporary: 
You will lose bladder control and need a catheter  (a tube in your penis) right after the surgery.  Most men regain complete control of their bladder  within a few months. Also, months or years after  surgery, scar tissue may develop and interfere  with the flow of urine. This happens to about two  of 100 men having surgery. It can usually be  corrected with a day‐surgery procedure. 
Permanent: 
About __ of the 100 men who have had surgery  do not regain complete control of their bladder.  __ of 100 men regain some control but have  dribbling that requires a pad to keep their clothes  dry. __ of 100 men do not regain any control,  needing either an adult diaper or a tube inserted  into their bladder to drain the urine into a bag.