Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is a common but often overlooked type of cancer that affects thousands of people each year. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors and available treatment options can make a significant difference in early detection and successful management.
Read on to learn what bladder cancer is, how it’s diagnosed and symptoms to look out for.
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the bladder, a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. The most common type of bladder cancer is urothelial carcinoma, which starts in the lining of the bladder. While it can often be treated successfully when caught early, bladder cancer tends to come back, making ongoing monitoring essential.1,2
Bladder cancer symptoms
Seeing the signs of bladder cancer early can help with treatment. Common symptoms include:3
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating too often or feeling like you need to pee but can't
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Lower back pain or pelvic discomfort
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions like infections or other illnesses, so it’s important to talk to a health care provider for a diagnosis. For people at average risk for bladder cancer, there are no standard screening recommendations. For individuals at higher risk, certain tests may be recommended.4
How is bladder cancer diagnosed?
To diagnose bladder cancer, doctors may use a combination of tests, including:5
- Urinalysis and urine cytology: Urine is checked for abnormal cells
- Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to look for abnormalities
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed for examination
- Imaging tests: CT scans or MRIs help determine what stage the cancer is in and whether it has spread
Bladder cancer is typically described in stages based on how far it has spread and the size of the tumor. Early-stage cancer stays in the lining of the bladder and is usually easier to treat.1 As it grows, it may move into the bladder wall, nearby tissues or even other parts of the body. The higher the stage, the more serious the cancer — and the more aggressive the treatment may need to be.
Can I prevent bladder cancer?
There’s no sure way to prevent bladder cancer, but you may be able to help lower your risk by making healthy choices — like not smoking, staying hydrated and avoiding exposure to certain chemicals. Regular checkups can also help catch problems early, when they’re often easier to treat.6
Bladder cancer risks
Several factors can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, including:6
- Smoking: Tobacco use is the most significant risk factor, as harmful chemicals pass through the urine and can damage the bladder lining
- Chemical exposure: Certain industrial chemicals, such as those used in dye, rubber and leather industries, have been linked to bladder cancer
- Chronic bladder irritation: Long-term infections, urinary catheters or bladder stones may increase risk
- History of urinary tract cancer: If you've had cancer in your urinary tract, you have an increased risk of developing bladder cancer
Bladder cancer treatment options
Bladder cancer treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and severity. Common treatments include:7
- Surgery: Removing cancerous tissue or, in more advanced cases, the entire bladder
- Intravesical therapy: Placing medication directly into the bladder to prevent cancer recurrence
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells, often before or after surgery
- Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer cells
- Radiation therapy: Targeting cancer cells with high-energy radiation rays
Who should if I see if I’m concerned about bladder cancer?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, talking to a health care provider about treatment options and available resources can help.