What is bladder cancer?
The bladder is located in the lower abdomen (belly). It is a hollow organ with a muscular wall that allows it to get bigger or smaller as needed. The bladder stores urine until it is released from the body. When you urinate, the bladder muscle walls contract and the urine is forced out of the bladder through a tube called the urethra.
When cancer cells only occur in the lining of the bladder, this is called superficial bladder cancer.
If cancer cells spread into the muscle wall of the bladder or to other organs and lymph nodes, this is called invasive bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer is mainly classified into three types: urothelial carcinoma (most common), squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. Each type starts in different cells of the bladder and has varying levels of invasiveness.
Explore statistics on bladder cancer, including the number of new cases, deaths, survival rates, and overall prevalence.
Certain factors can significantly increase your risk. Smoking is the most prominent risk factor, but others include age, gender, family history, and exposure to certain chemicals. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your personal risk.
The most common symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, and pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, or lower back.
There is no national screening program for bladder cancer in Australia, but some high-risk individuals may be recommended for certain tests, such as those used to diagnose bladder cancer or detect blood in the urine.
Various tests, including physical examinations, urine analysis, imaging studies, and biopsies, may be performed to diagnose and stage bladder cancer, aiding in determining the appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment for bladder cancer involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and depends on various factors like the stage of the disease, symptoms, patient preferences, and general health.
Living with cancer can be challenging, but you can find support from family, friends, health professionals, and cancer support organizations to help you cope with the emotional, physical, and practical issues related to your diagnosis.
Discover how research is advancing bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment, and learn more about clinical trial.
Details for professionals seeking comprehensive information on bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Last updated 19 September 2024
