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Bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men, but is substantially less common in women. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be around 83,730 new bladder cancer cases in the United States this year alone. 2021 is also expected to bring 17,200 deaths from the disease.

This article will examine the symptoms and risk factors associated with bladder cancer, along with potential treatments.

The bladder is located in the lower abdomen. It’s a balloon-shaped organ which stores urine before it’s passed out of the body. Bladder cancer occurs when cells in this organ mutate and start to multiply at an unhealthy rate. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other nearby organs and tissues.

Risk Factors

A person’s risk of developing bladder cancer increases with age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list the following as primary bladder cancer risk factors:

• A family history of bladder cancer

• Exposure to certain harmful chemicals in the workplace (typically found in paint, dye or petroleum-based products)

• Some forms of chemotherapy

• Consuming Aristolochia fangchi (a traditional Chinese herb)

• Drinking arsenic-contaminated water

• A history of chronic urinary tract infections

• Smoking

The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of developing the disease.

Signs and Symptoms

Bladder cancer affects the urinary system. It commonly develops in the urothelial cells, and when it’s found there it’s called urothelial carcinoma – a type that makes up more than 90 percent of cases.

Sometimes a person will experience little to no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, when they appear, the most common symptoms are:

• Blood in the urine (this may not be visible to the eye)

• Changes in urinary habits

• Pain in the back or pelvis

• Pain while urinating

• The feeling of needing to urinate but not being able to

Diagnosing Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is often confirmed with a biopsy of affected tissues. Prior to this, your doctor may conduct the following bladder cancer tests to determine the likelihood that cancer is present:

• A urinalysis to check for blood and other cancer markers

• A physical exam to check for tumors

• A cystoscopy (where a tiny camera is inserted into the urinary tract to confirm the presence of a tumor)

• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan

After a diagnosis is made, doctors will stage the cancer, which will ultimately help determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment Options

Most instances of bladder cancer affect the lining of the bladder only and do not penetrate the organ’s muscular wall. This is referred to as “non-muscle invasive bladder cancer”. The most common treatments for this type of cancer are:

• Non-surgical removal of affected tissue during a cystoscopy

• Non-surgical removal of the cancer via a transurethral resection

• Chemotherapy

Advanced bladder cancer (muscle-invasive bladder cancer) typically warrants more invasive treatment. Treatment may include:

• Total or partial cystectomy (bladder removal)

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Immunotherapy

In severe cases, one or more of these treatments may be required. Partial cystectomy is only an option when the tumor is small and easy to reach.

Next Steps

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Your doctor will discuss the best options for you based on the severity of your cancer, age and overall health.

Search online to better understand the early symptoms of the disease and monitor your own health so you’re aware of small changes if they occur. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this article make an appointment to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. While there are many other possible causes for changes in urinary habits, it is always better to get it checked out by a medical professional.