Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is cancer of the sac that collects and holds urine until it exits your body. It's the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and the 10th most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Most people who develop the disease are older adults — less than 1 percent of cases occur in people younger than 40.

Smoking is the greatest single risk factor for bladder cancer. Exposure to certain toxic chemicals and drugs also makes it more likely you'll develop the disease. Although some of these risk factors can be controlled, the incidence of bladder cancer hasn't decreased significantly in recent years. Even so, increased understanding of the disease means the outlook for people with this type of cancer is brighter now than in the past.

If the cancer is detected early — before it has moved beyond the lining of your bladder — you have a better chance of a successful treatment with minimal side effects. Treating bladder cancer that has spread is more difficult and involves more extensive procedures. But several new approaches can offer a better quality of life. In addition, researchers are studying ways to help prevent the disease in the first place.

[top]

Bladder cancer often doesn't produce signs or symptoms in its early stages. The first warning sign is usually blood in your urine (hematuria). The blood may show up on a urine test, or your urine may appear reddish or darker than normal.

This doesn't necessarily mean you have bladder cancer, however. More common conditions — including a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, kidney or bladder stones, and prostate problems — can cause hematuria. These conditions can also cause other symptoms similar to those of bladder cancer. If you develop any of the signs and symptoms below, your doctor can help determine the exact cause:

• Pelvic pain
• Pain during urination
• Frequent urination or feeling you need to urinate without being able to do so
• Slowing of your urinary stream

[top]

If you think you're at risk of bladder cancer, discuss your concerns with your doctor. He or she may be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk. Also, keep in mind that having one or more risk factors doesn't mean you'll develop the disease. In general, the following factors may increase the likelihood that you'll develop bladder cancer:

• Smoking. Smoking is the single greatest known cause of bladder cancer. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked a day and the number of years you've smoked.
• Industrial chemicals. Repeated exposure to chemicals used in the manufacture of dyes, rubber, leather, textiles and paint products may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer years later.
• Age. The chance of getting bladder cancer increases, as you grow older. The average age at diagnosis is 68 or 69. People younger than 40 rarely get the disease.
• Race. Caucasians are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as blacks and Hispanics are. Asians have the lowest rates of the disease.
• Sex. Men are two to three times more likely to get bladder cancer than are women.
• Certain drugs. Treatment with certain anti-cancer drugs increases your risk of bladder cancer.
• Chronic bladder inflammation. Chronic or repeated urinary infections or inflammations may increase your risk of a certain form of bladder cancer. But doctors don't believe infection or inflammation alone causes cancer.
• Family history. You're at higher risk of bladder cancer if you have family members with the disease.
• Personal history. Having bladder cancer once makes it more likely you'll get it again. Tumors may recur in your ureters or urethra as well as in the bladder itself.

[top]

Although bladder cancer can't always be prevented, these steps may help reduce your risk:

• Don't smoke. Not smoking means that cancer-causing chemicals in smoke can't collect in your bladder.
• Be careful with chemicals. If you work with chemicals, follow all safety instructions to avoid exposure.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking liquids, especially water, dilutes toxic substances that may be concentrated in your urine and flushes them out of your bladder more quickly. Because water sometimes can have high levels of chlorine or arsenic, be sure you drink the purest possible water.
• Learn to love broccoli. A 10-year study conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health indicates that a high intake of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage may cut the risk of bladder cancer in men. Although eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits is important for overall health, only broccoli and cabbage seem to affect bladder cancer risk. The Harvard doctors studied only men, and it's not known if the results apply to women.
• Seek medical attention early. If you notice blood in your urine, see your doctor.

[top]

The best treatment for you will depend on a number of factors, including the type and extent of bladder cancer you have, as well as on your age, overall health and personal preference. Some of the treatment options are surgical procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, and bladder reconstruction.

[top]

The survival rate for bladder cancer is considered very good. ACS says if it's discovered early, before it spreads, the 5 year survival rate is 94 percent. When the cancer has spread to the organs in the pelvic region, the rate drops to 49 percent and once it has spread to other organs the survival rate falls to 6 percent. The five year survival rate is used to compare survival rates for cancers and treatments. Many people live long beyond the 5 years. It is also important to remember that NCI says that a superficial bladder cancer often returns, so follow-up with your doctor is important.

[top]

* Text Resources: The Mayo Clinic Staff