Bladder Cancer 101: What to Know
Basic statistics about bladder cancer shed light on a disease that is not discussed much. Approximately 80,000 Americans will be diagnosed with bladder cancer this year. Three quarters of those diagnosed will be men. Each year about 17,000 Americans die from the disease, and 70% of those are men. Roughly 90% of people diagnosed with bladder cancer are over the age of 55 and the average age of onset is 73 years old. People with white skin are more likely to be diagnosed than people with black or brown skin.
Statistics, though, are only part of the story. Understanding more about bladder cancer and the bladder in general is important to help preventing the disease. The bladder is a hollow organ that holds urine before it is expelled from the body. When urination occurs, the muscles in the bladder contract to push the urine out of the body through the urethra.
The most prevalent sign or symptom of bladder cancer is to find blood in the urine. Any amount of blood detected in the urine is concerning and should be addressed with a medical professional. Other signs and symptoms include lower back pain, change in habits around urination, a pain or burning sensation when urinating, a weak stream of urine, or an increased sense of urgency to urinate, even when the output is minimal. Other signs and symptoms match those of different cancers, like weight loss, fatigue, weakness, or bone pain.
The risk factors for bladder cancer fall into two categories, those that are changeable and those that cannot be changed:
Risk Factors That Can Be Changed
Smoking – linked to over half of all bladder cancer diagnoses
Chemical exposures in the workplace – those industries or workers most impacted are textiles, rubber, paint, printing, hairdressers, machinists, truck drivers. Exposure can be minimized if quality masks are worn.
Not drinking enough water or fluids
Risk Factors That Cannot Be Changed
Race and ethnicity
Age
Gender
Chronic bladder infections
Bladder birth defects
Genetics or family history of bladder cancer
History of chemotherapy or radiation, especially in the pelvic region
Dr. Srilata Gundala, hematologist/oncologist and founder of Hope & Healing Care Center in Hinsdale, Illinois treats bladder cancer as part of her independent practice, “When caught early, as many bladder cancers are, there is an excellent prognosis for the diagnosis. It is important to increase awareness of the most common symptom, blood in the urine, and to educate people about the disease in general, including the best ways to prevent bladder cancer, namely, not to smoke, maintaining a healthy diet with a range of fruits and vegetables, limiting exposure to chemicals in the workplace, and staying hydrated. These healthy choices are the best way to prevent bladder cancer.”
The five-year survival rate for bladder cancer is 96% if caught early, the cancer cells are found only in the lining of the bladder. and treatment is provided promptly. If cancer cells have spread, but remain local to the bladder or adjacent organs, the survival rate is 70%. Those are promising statistics overall. The most common treatment options for bladder cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
If you would like to learn more about bladder cancer, the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network is an excellent resource and can be found HERE.
Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD
