Learn The BasicsHere are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about bladder cancer and its treatment and their answers.
What causes bladder cancer?
The exact cause of bladder cancer is not known. However, there are several factors that increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, such as smoking and exposure to certain chemicals and radiation.
How common is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer was the ninth most common type of cancer diagnosed worldwide in 2022.
Is there a genetic component?
Bladder cancer does not generally run in families. While genetic changes may be found in bladder cancer cells, inherited genetic causes are uncommon.
What is the prognosis?
There are several factors affecting the prognosis of bladder cancer, including the type and stage of the cancer.
The average five-year survival rate for bladder cancer is 78%. This means that 78% of patients diagnosed with bladder cancer are still alive five years later, but survival depends strongly on the stage and type of cancer..
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
The main symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Other symptoms may include pain, burning, stinging or itching during urination, repeated urinary tract infections and increased or sudden need to urinate.
How do doctors diagnose bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer can be diagnosed via cystoscopy, during which a sample from the lining of the bladder is biopsied and analyzed under a microscope.
What are the different types of bladder cancer?
The most common type of bladder cancer is called a urothelial carcinoma. However, there are also rarer types of bladder cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma and sarcoma.
What do the different stages mean?
There are different staging systems that are used to describe how advanced bladder cancer is. These include the TNM staging system and the number staging system. As a general rule, higher stage numbers indicate more advanced cancer.
Can bladder cancer be prevented?
The risk of bladder cancer can be reduced through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting exposure to chemicals, drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
How is bladder cancer treated?
There are several treatment options for bladder cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
Who will treat me?
Patients with bladder cancer should be treated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists that includes medical oncologists, urologists, radiation oncologists, and other supportive care professionals, depending on the patient’s needs.
What is the risk of recurrence?
Bladder cancer may recur or come back following treatment. There are several factors that may affect the risk of bladder cancer recurrence, such as the stage and grade of the tumor and the type of bladder cancer.
Are there any support groups
There are several non-profit organizations that can provide support for people affected by bladder cancer. These include:
The American Bladder Cancer Society