Learn The BasicsPatients with bladder cancer should be cared for by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
The specialists that may be part of the care team include medical oncologists, urologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists.
Other specialists that may also be included in the care team are supportive oncologists and palliative care specialists, pain management specialists, oncologic rehabilitation therapists and nutritionists.
Urological nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, psychiatric oncologists and genetic counselors may sometimes also be part of the care team for patients with bladder cancer.
Medical oncologists
Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer with different medications and therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
Urologists
Urologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the urinary tract, including bladder cancer.
Urological surgeons specialize in performing surgery in the urinary tract, including the bladder, as well as the male reproductive system.
Specialist surgeons may perform a cystectomy, which involves the partial or full removal of the bladder. They may also perform neo-bladder reconstruction.
Radiation oncologists
Radiation oncologists are specialists who use radiation therapy to provide treatment for patients with bladder cancer.
Radiologists
Radiologists are specialists who use advanced imaging techniques to diagnose different diseases, including bladder cancer.
Pathologists
Pathologists collaborate with urologists and medical oncologists to diagnose bladder cancer. They examine tissue samples to determine the type and grade of bladder cancer, which helps the care team decide on treatment.
Supportive oncologists and palliative care specialists
These specialists support the care team through the different phases of cancer treatment and recovery. Their primary goal is to improve patients’ quality of life.
Pain management specialists
These specialists provide cancer pain management care to address the specific needs of each patient with bladder cancer.
Oncologic rehabilitation therapists
Oncologic rehabilitation specialists address cancer-related impairments to help patients before, during and after cancer treatment.
Nutritionists
Nutritionists can provide guidance on managing the diet, weight, treatment side effects and the use of nutritional supplements of patients affected by bladder cancer.
Urological nurses
Urological nurses specialise in providing nursing care to people with diseases of the urinary system, including bladder cancer.
Urological nurses can assess patients with bladder cancer, administer treatments and provide information and support.
Urological nurses specialising in continence can assess and educate patients about bladder and bowel control. They can also provide information about surgery and help patients adjust to life with a stoma.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists can help restore movement and mobility. In some cases, they can prescribe exercises to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder and bowel control for patients with diseases affecting the urinary tract, including bladder cancer.
They can also prescribe exercise to help improve the patient’s overall health, fitness, strength and energy levels.
Psychologists and psychiatric oncologists
Psychologists and psychiatric oncologists can help patients manage their emotional response to the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.
Genetic counselors
Genetic counselors support patients with a personal or family history of bladder cancer and their risks of inheriting or passing on genetic forms of cancer.
Bladder cancer is typically not inherited, but genetic counselors may be involved in rare cases where a strong family history or specific inherited cancer syndromes are suspected.