Contents
Symptoms
Cancers can be caused by DNA changes (gene mutations) that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumor suppressor genes. Several different gene changes are usually needed for a cell to become cancer. Acquired gene mutations. Most gene mutations related to bladder cancer develop during a person’s life rather than having been inherited before birth.
Causes
Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. From basic information about cancer and its causes to in-depth information on specific cancer types – including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options – you’ll find it here. Explore Cancer A-Z
Prevention
Risk factors you can change Smoking. Smoking is the most important risk factor for bladder cancer. People who smoke are at least 3 times as likely… Workplace exposures. Certain industrial chemicals have been linked with bladder cancer. Chemicals …
Complications
· Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the single greatest risk factor for bladder cancer. Smokers are more than twice as likely to get bladder cancer compared to nonsmokers. Inhalation during cigarette smoking brings some of the cancer-causing chemicals in cigarettes out of the lungs and into the blood.
What are the chances of dying from bladder cancer?
· The cause of bladder cancer remains unknown , but genetic mutations may play a role. Smoking tobacco and having exposure to chemicals may cause mutations that lead to bladder cancer. However, these…
What is the main cause of bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer can sometimes cause changes in urination, such as: Having to urinate more often than usual Pain or burning during urination Feeling as if you need to go right away, even when your bladder isn’t full Having trouble urinating or having …
How dangerous is bladder cancer?
· Squamous cell bladder cancer is more common in parts of the world where the parasitic infection, schistosomiasis, is a common cause of bladder infections. Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma begins in cells that make up mucus -secreting glands in the bladder. Adenocarcinoma of the bladder is rare. QUESTION What percentage of the human body is water?
What are the risks of bladder cancer?
· Certain cancers, such as bladder cancer, can result in incontinence. Treatment options for cancer may also mean that it is more difficult to control your bladder. Other potential causes of bladder issues include kidney or bladder stones, constipation, urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, and side effects from certain medications.
See more
What are the leading causes of bladder cancer?
Smoking. Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for bladder cancer. This is because tobacco contains cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals. If you smoke for many years, these chemicals pass into your bloodstream and are filtered by the kidneys into your urine.
Who is at high risk for bladder cancer?
Though it can occur at any age, most people diagnosed with bladder cancer are older than 55. Being male. Men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than women are. Exposure to certain chemicals.
What are the 3 types of bladder cancer?
The 3 main types of bladder cancer are:Urothelial carcinoma. Urothelial carcinoma (or UCC) accounts for about 90% of all bladder cancers. … Squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cells develop in the bladder lining in response to irritation and inflammation. … Adenocarcinoma.
What is usually the first symptom of bladder cancer?
In most cases, blood in the urine (called hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. There may be enough blood to change the color of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, dark red.
What are the 5 warning signs of bladder cancer?
Here are five warning signs to watch for:Blood in the urine (hematuria). This is the most common early symptom of bladder cancer and typically the first sign of bladder cancer that is seen. … UTI-like symptoms. … Unexplained pain. … Decreased appetite. … Postmenopausal uterine bleeding.
Can you have bladder cancer for years and not know it?
It may be seen as a symptom of post-menopausal bleeding, simple cystitis or a urinary tract infection. As a result, a bladder cancer diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more.
Where does bladder cancer spread first?
When bladder cancer spreads, it first invades the bladder wall, which is made up of four distinct layers. It can take some time for cancer to penetrate all of these layers, but once it has, it can then spread into the surrounding fatty tissues and lymph nodes.
Does alcohol cause bladder cancer?
Conclusion: No significant association between alcohol consumption and bladder cancer risk was found in the entire population, but there was a linear dose-response relation in those who consume alcohol from liquor or spirits. Alcohol may elevate the risk of bladder cancer in males in a dose-independent way.
How can bladder cancer be prevented?
Can Bladder Cancer Be Prevented?Don’t smoke. Smoking is thought to cause about half of all bladder cancers. … Limit exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace. Workers in industries that use certain organic chemicals have a higher risk of bladder cancer. … Drink plenty of liquids. … Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
What is the life expectancy of someone with bladder cancer?
5-year relative survival rates for bladder cancerSEER Stage5-year Relative Survival RateIn situ alone Localized96% 70%Regional38%Distant6%All SEER stages combined77%Mar 1, 2022
What are the signs that bladder cancer has spread?
The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer that has spread to other parts of the body include:tiredness or weakness.pain when urinating.difficulty urinating or inability to urinate.pain in the lower back on one side of the body.weight loss.swollen feet.bone pain.
Can CT scan detect bladder cancer?
A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create three-dimensional, cross-sectional pictures of the bladder, as well as the ureters and kidneys. A CT scan may be used to see whether bladder cancer has invaded the bladder wall or has spread to other organs or nearby lymph nodes.
How does bladder cancer develop?
Bladder cancer develops when cells in the bladder begin to grow abnormally, forming a tumor in the bladder. Bladder cancer begins when cells in the bladder develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. A cell’s DNA contains instructions that tell the cell what to do.
What is the most common type of bladder cancer?
Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer in the United States. Squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is associated with chronic irritation of the bladder — for instance, from an infection or from long-term use of a urinary catheter. Squamous cell bladder cancer is rare in the United States.
Where is the bladder located?
Your kidneys, located in the rear portion of your upper abdomen, produce urine by filtering waste and fluid from your blood. Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow muscular organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer most often begins in …
Where does bladder cancer start?
Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow muscular organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer most often begins in the cells (urothelial cells) that line the inside of your bladder. Urothelial cells are also found in your kidneys and the tubes (ureters) …
Where is urothelial cancer found?
Urothelial cells are also found in your kidneys and the tubes (ureters) that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Urothelial cancer can happen in the kidneys and ureters, too, but it’s much more common in the bladder. Most bladder cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, when the cancer is highly treatable.
Can bladder cancer come back?
But even early-stage bladder cancers can come back after successful treatment. For this reason, people with bladder cancer typically need follow-up tests for years after treatment to look for bladder cancer that recurs.
How do you know if you have bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer signs and symptoms may include: Blood in urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear bright red or cola colored, though sometimes the urine appears normal and blood is detected on a lab test. Frequent urination. Painful urination. Back pain.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Learn more about the risk factors for bladder cancer.
Prevention
There’s no way to completely prevent cancer. But there are things you can do that might help lower your risk. Learn more.
What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?
Bladder Cancer Risk Factors. A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. You can change some risk factors, like smoking or weight ; others, like your age or family history, you can’t. But having a risk factor, or even many, …
Why do people with bladder cancer have a higher risk of getting it themselves?
Sometimes this may be because the family members are exposed to the same cancer-causing chemicals (like those in tobacco smoke). They may also share changes in some genes (like GST and NAT) that make it hard for their bodies to break down certain toxins, which can make them more likely to get bladder cancer.
What chemicals can cause bladder cancer?
Certain industrial chemicals have been linked with bladder cancer. Chemicals called aromatic amines, such as benzidine and beta-naphthylamine, which are sometimes used in the dye industry, can cause bladder cancer. Workers in other industries that use certain organic chemicals also may have a higher risk of bladder cancer.
Does pioglitazone cause bladder cancer?
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), use of the diabetes medicine pioglitazone (Actos ®) is linked with an increased risk of bladder cancer. The risk seems to get higher when higher doses are used.
Does aristolochic acid cause bladder cancer?
The risk seems to get higher when higher doses are used. Dietary supplements containing aristolochic acid ( mainly in herbs from the Aristolochia family) have been linked with an increased risk of urothelial cancers, including bladder cancer.
Is drinking water a source of arsenic?
For most Americans, drinking water isn’t a major source of arsenic.
Why do people drink a lot of water?
This might be because they empty their bladders more often, which could keep chemicals from lingering in their bladder.
What are the risk factors for bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer can affect anyone. Major risk factors include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and having a family history of the disease. Learn more about the risk factors for bladder cancer.
Does smoking cause bladder cancer?
Tobacco use is the biggest risk factor for developing bladder cancer. This risk increases with the amount and length of time smoking. Cancer-causing chemicals inhaled from burning tobacco enter the bloodstream. The body filters them from the blood through the kidneys and transfers them to the bladder to be removed from the body.
Does smoking cigarettes cause cancer?
Cancer-causing chemicals inhaled from burning tobacco enter the bloodstream. The body filters them from the blood through the kidneys and transfers them to the bladder to be removed from the body. The chemical-containing urine can cause damage to the cells in the bladder. Avoiding smoking is the most effective way to lower the risk.
How does smoking affect the bladder?
The body filters them from the blood through the kidneys and transfers them to the bladder to be removed from the body. The chemical-containing urine can cause damage to the cells in the bladder. Avoiding smoking is the most effective way to lower the risk. People who have quit smoking have a lower risk of bladder cancer compared …
What chemicals can cause bladder cancer?
Frequent exposure to chemicals that are commonly used in certain jobs may increase bladder cancer risk. This includes chemicals called aromatic amines. They are most commonly used in the textile, dye, rubber, leather, paint, and printing industries. Chemical exposure has also been associated with bladder cancer in truck drivers, hairdressers, and machinists. In addition, areas of the world with high concentrations of arsenic in the groundwater have higher rates of bladder cancer. This includes Chile, Argentina, Taiwan, and some northeastern states of the United States.
Can you get bladder cancer from a close relative?
You may be twice as likely to develop bladder cancer if you have a close relative who has had the disease. A close relative includes a parent, sibling, or child. This possibility may be related to genetic factors that make it harder for the body to remove dangerous chemicals after exposure.
Can bladder cancer be caused by spinal cord injury?
Long-term bladder irritation and inflammation, such as that caused by infections and bladder or kidney stones, make it more likely for someone to develop bladder cancer. People with spinal cord injuries are at risk of both chronic infections and kidney stones.
What are the causes of bladder cancer?
While the exact cause of bladder cancer is not known, certain risk factors are linked to the disease, including tobacco smoking and exposure to certain chemicals and gases. Also, people with a family history of bladder cancer have a high risk of developing the disease. Known risk factors for bladder cancer include:
Where is bladder cancer most common?
In Africa and the Middle East, where this parasite is more common, squamous cell bladder cancer is more common. Personal history of bladder cancer: Cancer can occur in other regions of the urothelium, such as in the lining of the kidneys, ureter and urethra. Cancer in any of these areas may increase the risk of another tumor in this layer of cells.
How many people get bladder cancer each year?
Each year, more than 80,000 Americans are diagnosed with bladder cancer. Anyone can get bladder cancer, but factors such as age, race and gender may increase the risk of the disease. Knowing behavior-related risk factors for bladder cancer may help you take preventive measures to reduce your chances of developing the disease or may help you …
Can anyone get bladder cancer?
Anyone can get bladder cancer, but factors such as age, race and gender may increase the risk of the disease. Knowing behavior-related risk factors for bladder cancer may help you take preventive measures to reduce your chances of developing the disease or may help you and your doctor detect signs of bladder cancer earlier.
Is bladder cancer more common in men or women?
Gender: Men are at a higher risk than women of getting bladder cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, men have an approximately 1 in 26 chance of developing bladder cancer in their lifetime. For women, this chance is about 1 in 86.
How old is the average person with bladder cancer?
Age: Most people who get bladder cancer are older in age. The average age at diagnosis is 73, and 90 percent of patients are over age 55. Race: Bladder cancer is twice as common among Caucasians as African Americans. This disease is less common among Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans.
Can bladder cancer be genetic?
Other times, they may all have certain genetic abnormalities associated with bladder cancer. Specifically, mutations in genes known as GNT and NAT may trigger changes in the body’s breakdown of some toxins, which may in turn cause cancer cells to form in the bladder wall. Other inherited genetic syndromes are also considered bladder cancer risk …
How does bladder cancer develop?
Bladder cancer develops when the cells in bladder tissue start to divide uncontrollably. Bladder cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer in men. It also affects females.
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer develops when the cells in bladder tissue start to divide uncontrollably. Bladder cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer in men. It also affects females.
How many people die from bladder cancer in 2019?
Bladder cancer develops when the cells in bladder tissue start to divide uncontrollably. Bladder cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer in men. It also affects females. In 2019, the American Cancer Society (ACS) predict that around 80,470 people will receive a diagnosis of bladder cancer and 17,670 will die from it in the United States.
Is bladder cancer benign?
Bladder cancer can be benign or malignant. Malignant bladder cancer may be life threatening, as it can spread quickly. Without treatment, it can damage tissues and organs. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about bladder cancer, including types, symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Can bladder cancer spread quickly?
Malignant bladder cancer may be life threatening, as it can spread quickly. Without treatment, it can damage tissues and organs. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about bladder cancer, including types, symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Where does bladder cancer start?
Bladder cancer usually starts in the transitional epithelium, which are the cells that line the bladder. There are different types of bladder cancer, but the most common is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).
What is the most common type of bladder cancer?
The most common type of bladder cancer is TCC. Most bladder cancers are TCC. TCC is also known as urothelial carcinoma. This type of bladder cancer starts in the cells that line the inside of the bladder.
Can bladder cancer cause bleeding?
Usually, the early stages of bladder cancer (when it’s small and only in the bladder) cause bleeding but little or no pain or other symptoms. Blood in the urine doesn’t always mean you have bladder cancer.
Can bladder cancer spread to other parts of the body?
Bladder cancers that have grown large or have spread to other parts of the body can sometimes cause other symptoms, such as: Again, many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than bladder cancer, but it’s important to have them checked.
How do you know if you have bladder cancer?
Bladder cancers that have grown large or have spread to other parts of the body can sometimes cause other symptoms, such as: Being unable to urinate. Lower back pain on one side. Loss of appetite and weight loss. Feeling tired or weak.
Can bladder cancer cause lower back pain?
Bladder cancers that have grown large or have spread to other parts of the body can sometimes cause other symptoms, such as: Being unable to urinate. Lower back pain on one side. Loss of appetite and weight loss. Feeling tired or weak.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer?
Being unable to urinate. Lower back pain on one side. Loss of appetite and weight loss. Feeling tired or weak. Swelling in the feet. Bone pain. Again, many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than bladder cancer, but it’s important to have them checked.
What does it mean when you have blood in your urine?
Blood in the urine. In most cases, blood in the urine (called hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. There may be enough blood to change the color of the urine to orange, pink, or, less often, dark red.
Why do I have trouble peeing?
Having to get up to urinate many times during the night. These symptoms are more likely to be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, an overactive bladder, or an enlarged prostate (in men).