Up to 45% of Europeans suffer from incontinence
Around 55-60 million Europeans suffer from continence health problems. This often chronic condition not only affects the quality of life of patients and their loved ones, but also has a significant impact on national health systems, the economy, and the environment. Around 35% of the 40 billion Euros that incontinence cost this year was related to the productivity loss of patients, and another third was related to the use of continence pads. When looking at the costs of waste disposal, the cost of incinerating (burning the pads) was marginally lower than recycling. However, the carbon footprint of recycling is significantly lower.
Continence problems will continue to increase
Professor Philip Van Kerrebroeck, co-chairman of the Policy Office of the European Association of Urology says: “Continence problems are felt across gender, age, and socio-economic backgrounds, and can result in a serious negative impact on individuals’ quality of life. Physical, psychosocial and economic consequences for patients and their carers are a barrier to full participation in society. Optimal continence health should be a reality for everyone.”
Since the risk of continence problems often correlates with conditions that develop or intensify as people age, it is predicted that these problems will increase, as the European population is ageing at a rapid pace. Health professionals and informal caregivers are making every effort within the existing constraints of different health systems, however, current systems are not yet fully adapted to support continence care. Policies and laws in both EU Member States and non-member European countries tend to neglect continence care despite its prevalence, serious nature, and availability of solutions.
Policy action is needed on a European-wide scale
Van Kerrebroeck: “It is time to take action and transform this neglected issue to address the continence health challenge Europe is facing. In our Urge to Act campaign we would like to make policymakers aware that there are many ways to improve continence health, through increased prevention, better care, access to supportive interventions including treatment, and more inclusive environments. Much more should be done to reduce the direct expenses, the burden on patients, their carers, and on society.”At the first EU Continence Health Summit that will take place on the 8th November in Brussels, stakeholders will come together to achieve substantial change in policies relating to incontinence across Europe. During this event the EU Continence Health Manifesto will be presented, including 10 topline calls to action to underscore the need for action and provide policymakers with a policy vision that can drive tangible change.
Source: European Association of Urology. (2023). Incontinence Costs European Society over 40 Billion Euros per Year [Press release]. https://uroweb.org/press-releases/incontinence-costs-european-society-over-40-billion-euros-per-year.