Bladder cancer commonly originates in the cells that line the bladder, called urothelium, and is relatively rare. While it can occur at any age, it’s most frequently diagnosed in individuals over 55.
Males are more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer compared to females. Smoking significantly increases the risk by introducing harmful chemicals into the urine that can damage the bladder lining.
Symptoms
It is important to consult a health care provider if you notice:
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent or painful urination
- Having trouble urinating
- Persistent bladder infections
- Pelvic or back pain
Risk Factors
Certain lifestyle factors and behaviors can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, including:
- Smoking
- Exposure to radiation or chemotherapy
- Personal or family history of bladder cancer
- Use of certain medications, such as pioglitazone (a diabetes drug), may be linked to increased bladder cancer risk
- Occupational exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., those used in dye, rubber, leather, and paint industries)
- Chronic bladder inflammation
- Age (most diagnoses occur in individuals over 55)
Prevention
To lower your risk of bladder cancer, consider these lifestyle changes:
- Don’t smoke or if you do, quit
- Limit exposure to harmful chemicals
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Maintain a healthy weight through a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate, which makes follow-up and surveillance an important part of survivorship care
Screening
Routine screening for bladder cancer is not generally recommended unless you are at high risk, such as having a history of smoking, occupational exposures, or chronic bladder irritation.
Bladder cancer is diagnosed through a series of tests.
- During regular physical examinations, doctors will often order urinalysis to run a variety of tests to analyze your urine samples to rule out infections or deficiencies.
- If suspected, your health care provider might order a cystoscopy that could detect cancer and take tissue samples for further testing.
In Florida, an estimated 1,450 individuals out of 100,000 are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year.