Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that begins in the cells in the bladder lining. Sometimes it can also stretch into the bladder muscle, making it more challenging to treat. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for early detection and effective management.

Risk factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. These include lifestyle choices, Age and gender also play significant roles. Additionally, exposure to certain chemicals, previous cancer treatments, chronic bladder infections, and family history can elevate the risk.

Smoking – smoking any cigarettes, cigars or pipes can lead to an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. The body processes the harmful chemicals and then can excrete them in the urine. The chemicals may damage the lining of the bladder and raise the risk of developing cancer.

Increased Age – The risk of developing cancer increases with age. Most people diagnosed with bladder cancer will be over the age of 55.

Being Male – Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.

Exposure to Certain Chemicals – some non-manufacturing jobs have been linked with an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. These can even include taxi and bus drivers due to regular exposure to chemicals in diesel fumes. There are strict limits to exposure of many cancer-causing chemicals since the 1950’s or 1960’s. However, it is possible that cases of bladder cancer can still be linked with these exposures as the conditions can take more than 30 years to start to develop.

Previous Cancer Treatment – Radiotherapy to treat previous cancers in the bladder or bowel. Some chemotherapy treatments.

Chronic Bladder Infections – repeated urinary tract infections, indwelling catheter or long-term bladder stones.

Family History – though not a typically hereditary condition there is a slightly higher risk possibly due to shared environmental factors and potentially some inherited genetic predispositions. 

Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of bladder cancer early can lead to more effective treatment. The most common symptom is blood in the urine, which may appear as red streaks or cause the urine to turn brown. Other symptoms include an increased urgency and frequency to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, and, in more advanced cases, pelvic pain, bone pain, unintentional weight loss, and swelling in the legs.

Treatments

This will depend upon the type of cancer, the size of the tumour, whether the cancer has already spread to nearby lymph nodes and whether the cancer has spread (metastasis) to other organs.

Any decision on treatment will involve a number of different specialists including a urologist, a Clinical Oncologist, a Pathologist and a Radiologist. There should also be contact with a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Depending upon how severe the cancer is will depend upon the treatment, these can include Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT), Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy or even removal of bladder. The last is a significant surgery.

In the event of the investigations showing advanced or metastatic cancer, a person can also be offered Immunotherapy or even palliative care.