Bladder Cancer

Introduction

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. Urine is produced by the kidneys and travels down tubes called ureters to the bladder. When you urinate, urine flows out of the bladder through a tube called the urethra.

Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States. It is more common in men than in women. The average age at diagnosis is 73.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your risk of developing bladder cancer:

• Smoking: Smoking is the leading risk factor for bladder cancer. Chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the cells in the bladder, which can lead to cancer.
• Exposure to certain chemicals: People who work with certain chemicals, such as those used in the rubber, leather, textile, and paint industries, are at an increased risk of bladder cancer.
• Personal history of bladder cancer: People who have had bladder cancer in the past are at an increased risk of developing it again.
• Family history of bladder cancer: People who have a family history of bladder cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
• Age: The risk of bladder cancer increases with age.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
• Race: African Americans are more likely to develop bladder cancer than whites.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (hematuria). Other symptoms of bladder cancer can include:

• Painful urination
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Feeling the need to urinate frequently, even when the bladder is not full
• Pelvic pain
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

If you have any of the symptoms of bladder cancer, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and order a urinalysis. A urinalysis is a test that checks for blood and other abnormalities in the urine.

If your urinalysis shows blood or other abnormalities, your doctor may order a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. This allows the doctor to look for any abnormalities in the bladder.

If your doctor sees any suspicious areas during a cystoscopy, they may take a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the bladder for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

The treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. The stage of the cancer is determined by the size and location of the tumor, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and whether it has caused any damage to the bladder.

The following are the main types of treatment for bladder cancer:

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for bladder cancer. The type of surgery performed will depend on the stage of the cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used before or after surgery, or it can be used as the main treatment for bladder cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given orally or intravenously.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy can be used to treat bladder cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Outlook

The outlook for people with bladder cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the type of treatment they receive. The five-year survival rate for people with bladder cancer is 77%.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent bladder cancer, but you can reduce your risk by:

• Quitting smoking: Smoking is the leading risk factor for bladder cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce your risk of developing the disease.
• Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals: If you work with certain chemicals, such as those used in the rubber, leather, textile, and paint industries, be sure to follow all safety precautions to avoid exposure.
• Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help to reduce your risk of bladder cancer.
• Drinking plenty of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help to flush out your bladder and reduce your risk of bladder cancer.
• Getting regular exercise: Getting regular exercise can help to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of bladder cancer.

Conclusion

Bladder cancer is a serious disease, but it is often curable if it is diagnosed and treated early. If you have any of the symptoms of bladder cancer, be sure to see your doctor right away.