Bladder cancer is a disease where the cells inside your bladder start growing too fast. These extra cells can form a lump called a tumor. Sometimes the tumor stays in one place, but sometimes it can spread to other parts of your body.
Bladder cancer is quite common, especially in older people. It affects more men than women, but anyone can get it. Doctors are getting better every day at finding bladder cancer early and treating it with success.
What is bladder cancer?
The bladder is a balloon-shaped organ in your lower belly. Its main job is to store urine until you go to the bathroom. Bladder cancer happens when cells inside the bladder grow without stopping. These cells form a mass that can become dangerous if not treated.
There are different types of bladder cancer:
- Urothelial carcinoma: The most common type, starting in the bladder’s inner lining.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Linked to long-term infections or irritation.
- Adenocarcinoma: A rare type that starts in the glands of the bladder.
Key facts:
- Most bladder cancers are found early.
- Early bladder cancers are easier to treat.
- Even after treatment, bladder can sometimes come back, so check-ups are very important.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer often shows early warning signs. Some symptoms to watch out for are:
- Blood in your urine (may look pink, orange, or dark red)
- Pain when you pee
- Frequent urination (needing to pee more often)
- Feeling like you need to pee but can’t
- Pain in your lower back or sides
Other less common symptoms:
- Feeling tired
- Losing weight without trying
- Swelling in your legs
- Bone pain (if cancer has spread)
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. The sooner bladder cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
Causes of Bladder Cancer
There isn’t always one clear cause of bladder, but certain things can raise your chances:
- Smoking: The biggest cause. Harmful chemicals from smoking collect in the bladder.
- Chemical exposure: People who work with certain chemicals (like painters, hairdressers, or truck drivers) are more at risk.
- Radiation therapy: Past cancer treatments that used radiation can raise the risk.
- Frequent bladder infections: Ongoing infections can damage the bladder lining.
- Family history: Having close relatives with bladder cancer increases your risk.
- Being older: Most people with bladder cancer are over 55.
Important:
- Smoking is linked to nearly half of bladder cases.
- Men are about three times more likely to get bladder than women.
If you have symptoms that could be from bladder, your doctor will order tests to find out what’s happening.
Tests include:
- Urine test: Doctors check your urine for blood, cancer cells, or infection.
- Cystoscopy: A thin, lighted tube is put into your bladder through your urethra to look for problems.
- Biopsy: During the cystoscopy, the doctor might take a small sample of tissue to look for cancer cells under a microscope.
- Imaging tests:
- CT scan: Makes detailed pictures of your bladder.
- MRI: Uses magnets to create detailed images.
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to check your bladder.
Key points:
- These tests are usually not painful, but you may feel a little discomfort.
- Getting tested early can make a big difference in your treatment and recovery.
Bladder cancer treatment depends on many things, like how big the tumor is, if it has spread, and how healthy you are. Your doctor will work with you to find the best plan.
Types of Treatments:
- Surgery:
- Transurethral resection: Remove tumors inside the bladder without cutting the skin.
- Cystectomy: Remove part or all of the bladder if cancer has spread.
- Chemotherapy:
- Medicines that kill cancer cells. It can be given before or after surgery.
- Radiation therapy:
- High-energy beams target cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy:
- Boosts your immune system to fight cancer better. Sometimes given directly into the bladder.
- Targeted therapy:
- Special drugs that attack only cancer cells without hurting normal cells too much.
Important to know:
- Some treatments are quick, while others take several months.
- Doctors will talk to you about side effects like tiredness, hair loss, or infections — but they can help manage these.
- You will likely have regular check-ups after treatment to make sure the cancer does not come back.
You can’t always stop bladder cancer from happening, but you can take steps to lower your risk.
Tips to prevent bladder cancer:
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, stop. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
- Be safe around chemicals: Always wear protective gear if you work with dangerous substances.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water can help flush toxins from your bladder.
- Eat healthy: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can keep your body strong.
- Go for regular check-ups: Especially if you have risk factors like family history or past bladder problems.
Key points:
- Lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.
- Protecting your health now can help you avoid problems later.
The outlook for bladder cancer depends on how early it is found and treated. Many people with bladder cancer live long, healthy lives, especially if the cancer is found early.
Things that affect your outlook:
- Stage of cancer: Early-stage cancers have a better outcome.
- Type of treatment: Some treatments work better for different people.
- Overall health: Being strong and healthy helps with recovery.
- Follow-up care: Regular doctor visits are needed to catch any return of cancer early.
Important facts:
- When found early, bladder cancer has a very high survival rate.
- Staying positive and taking care of yourself is very important.
