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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Rian J. Dickstein, MD, FACS
Facts About Bladder Cancer
Chesapeake Urology
. https://www.chesapeakeurology.com/

Facts About Bladder Cancer

A diagnosis of cancer is a frightening thing for anyone. You need not only the very best medical care, but also the right information to help you understand your condition and how your doctor will help you through your journey.

The bladder is a balloon shaped organ that collects urine from the kidneys and stores it until it is eliminated through a tube called the urethra. The most common type of bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma (UC), starts in the lining of the bladder. Bladder cancer begins when the cells in the lining of the bladder start to grow out of control. Urothelial cancer can occur anywhere in the urinary tract including the bladder, urethra, kidneys and ureters.

Facts To Know

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in women.
The average age of diagnosis is early 70s.
Tobacco use has been linked as a cause, or risk factor, for the development of bladder cancer.
Caucasians are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer.
Family or personal history of bladder cancer is a risk factor for developing the disease.
When bladder cancer is diagnosed and treated early, it often can be treated successfully.

Common Symptoms

Early stages of bladder cancer often produce no symptoms. Your first warning sign may be hematuria (blood in your urine that may be
visible or only be visible under a microscope).

Other less common symptoms include

Painful urination
Frequent urination or feeling an urge to urinate without results
Slow or intermittent urine stream
Pelvic pain

These symptoms may indicate other medical problems, such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones or prostate disorders; you will need a thorough evaluation to determine the cause.

Risk Factors

Cigarette smoking the single greatest risk factor for bladder cancer
Exposure to industrial chemicals
Chronic bladder inflammation or foley catheter use
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers

Diagnosing Bladder Cancer

Because bladder cancer is highly treatable in the early stages of the
disease, it's important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms. Your doctor will perform a thorough history and physical exam, and order other tests if needed.

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