July 2021 Blog - Bladder Cancer Awareness

Like most cancer, the earlier it's detected the better the outcome.

posted on 7/12/2021 in BLOGS from St. Anthony

Bladder CancerBladder cancer is the 4th most common type of cancer and the 6th leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. Bladder cancers are more common among men, with about 70% of all cases being found in men at age 75 or older. In terms of outcome, like most cancer, the earlier it’s detected the better the outcome. Here are some important things to note when it comes to bladder cancer symptoms, treatments and prevention methods for this disease that affects so many people every year.

What is bladder cancer? 

Bladder cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the bladder. It can also spread to other parts of the body. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in urine, but others include pain or burning when urinating, frequent urge to urinate without being able to completely empty your bladder and weight loss

What are the risk factors for bladder cancer? 

Bladder Cancer is more common in people who have a history of smoking, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation and those with chronic urinary tract infections.

How will you know if you have bladder cancer? 

The symptoms and diagnosis vary depending on the stage and type of tumor. The first step for any abnormal sympto them should be a visit with your doctor who might run some tests to determine  the cause of the symptoms, in many cases it will turn out not to be cancer. 

What are the treatment options for bladder cancer? 

The type and stage of the cancer will determine which treatment is recommended. In some cases, bladder cancers can be treated with surgery that removes all or part of the tumor. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy

How can you prevent bladder cancer? 

Bladder cancer can be caused by prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, and has been linked with smoking cigarettes, working around asbestos products and other substances, or having a history of infections associated with a type of virus called HPV so the avoidance of these is important in terms of prevention. 

If you notice a change in your urination habits, such as more frequency or urgency to go and difficulty emptying the bladder, it may be time for an appointment with your doctor. The earlier bladder cancer is detected, the better chance of successful treatment outcomes. At St. Anthony Regional Hospital, we are committed to providing you what you need to improve and maintain your health. We serve you by working for our core values: Compassion, Responsibility, Responsiveness, Teamwork, Dignity & Respect, Integrity. Our patients see these words in action through the high quality care we provide from our experienced health care professionals. 

Sources:

Sources: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/n/non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer

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