May is National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. More than 80,000 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, with more than 17,000 of these cases resulting in death, according to the American Cancer Society.
Bladder cancer begins when cells in the urinary bladder start growing uncontrollably. A tumor may form as a result, and it’s possible for it to spread to other parts of the body.
The risk for bladder cancer increases in people over the age of 55. There are several risk factors associated with bladder cancer:
- Smoking (smokers are three times as likely to develop the cancer)
- Workplace exposure to chemicals (aromatic amines) used in the dye industry
- Some medicines and herbal supplements
- Arsenic in drinking water
- Not drinking enough fluids
Avoiding any of these risk factors, as well as eating plenty of fruits and vegetable, can help prevent bladder cancer. But, there are some risk factors that a person cannot avoid:
- Whites are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as African Americans and Hispanics; Asian Americans and American Indians have a slightly lower rate of bladder cancer
- Age
- Gender (it’s more common in men)
- Chronic bladder irritation and infections
- Personal history of bladder cancer
- Bladder birth defects
- Genetics and family history
- Extended chemotherapy and radiation therapy
In combating any type of cancer, early detection is the key to a successful treatment. Because it causes blood in the urine, as well as other urinary symptoms, bladder cancer can be detected early. Both blood in the urine and changes in bladder habits are usually signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, an overactive bladder or an enlarged prostrate for men, they are also possible signs of bladder cancer, and they should be checked by a doctor.
Signs of advanced bladder cancer include:
- Being unable to urinate
- Lower back pain on one side
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Feeling tired or weak
- Swelling in feet
- Bone pain
Bladder cancer can be treated with a number of options, including:
- Surgery
- Intravesical Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted Therapy Drugs
The type of treatment used depends on the doctor’s discretion, as well as the stage of the cancer and the patient’s personal health situation. It’s important to seek treatment best suited for your situation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms or signs of bladder cancer, Karmanos can help. Make an appointment with the Genitourinary Oncology Multidisciplinary Team. Early detection is Your Best Chance.
- 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266)
- Request Appointment Online – a Karmanos representative will contact you within 24 hours of your request, Monday through Friday.