Bladder Cancer Facts

Cause

There is no known cause of bladder cancer. We do know that, when DNA is damaged, abnormal cell growth may occur and a tumor may form.

Early Detection Important

The National Cancer Institute notes that most bladder cancers begin in cells that normally make up the lining of the bladder. This is known as transitional cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in thin, flat cells. And adenocarcinoma is cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids. In later stages, cancer cells may spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Early detection of bladder cancer enables physicians to select appropriate treatment early on and manage the disease.

Primary and Secondary Symptoms

Blood in the urine (known as hematuria)—either seen by an individual as a rust or red color when urinating or detected by a doctor during a urine test—is usually the first sign that bladder cancer may be present.

A word of caution:  Blood in the urine can mean problems other than bladder cancer. A urinary tract infection, kidney disease, kidney or bladder stones and some prostate problems might also be the problem. The important lesson is to contact your doctor immediately if you see blood when you urinate.

Other causes for concern include:  Painful, frequent or difficult urination and pain in the lower abdomen.

Risk Factors

A number of studies reveal several risk factors for bladder cancer, although some people diagnosed with bladder cancer do not have these risk factors, including:

• Advancing age. The incidence of bladder cancer increases significantly with age.
• Smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars.
• Working in environments where chemicals, dyes, coal and gas byproducts are present.
• Race, gender and location: Caucasians have a significantly greater chance of getting bladder cancer than people of other races; men are more than twice as likely as women to get the disease; and those who live in urban centers are more at risk.

Cancer Treatment Options

Every case is different. So, if you receive a diagnosis of bladder cancer, discuss treatment options with your physician to determine exactly what’s best for your stage and grade of cancer. Treatments include:

• Surgery – ranging from transurethral resection (TUR) for early-stage cancer to segmental (removal of part of the bladder) to radical cystectomy (removal of the entire bladder)
• Radiation – either before or after surgery and either internal or external radiation
• Immunotherapy – such as bacillus Calmette-Guerin
• Chemotherapy – using a drug or combination drugs, either oral or intravenous, to attack and kill cancer cells
• Combination – of surgery, radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy

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References Resources: Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network www.bcan.org  ; National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov

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