Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
- May 6
- 2 min read
Written by: Kim Almgren
May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month!
Bladder cancer is common, but it is not as well-known as other cancers. It is the 5th most common cancer with about 37 people being diagnosed per day, or 13 400 people per year.
Risk Factors
Smoking is the most common risk factor.
Other risk factors include older age greater than 65, occupational exposure to specific chemicals such as those associated with rubber, plastic, and dye industries, and chronic bladder inflammation such as from infection or stones.
Symptoms
Blood in the urine is the most common symptom (occurs in more than 80% of cases).
Others include:
Bladder spasms
Trouble urinating
A burning sensation or pain during urination
Increased frequency and urgency of urination
Back, pelvic, or groin pain.
These symptoms could also be caused by other less worrisome issues such as a urinary tract infection, however if you notice any of these symptoms it is still important to see your doctor or nurse practitioner for a check-up.
How do we test for it?
Urine cytology, where a sample of urine is collected to look for abnormal cells
Upper urinary tract imaging with ultrasound, CT or MRI to examine the organs
Cystoscopy, where a scope is inserted into the bladder and urethra to examine it
It is the most expensive cancer to treat!
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer has a 60-70% recurrence rate
It is treated with surgery to remove tumours from the inside of the bladder and the insertion of drugs into the bladder
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer, when it has spread into the muscle surrounding the bladder, has a mortality rate of 40% in the first 5 years of disease. It is treated by removing the bladder (procedure called a radical cystectomy), along with the nearby organs including the prostate in men, and the uterus and ovaries in women.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the North Shore Family Health Team, and see your primary care provider!
More information can also be found at:
