Types of Cancer

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Bladder cancer is more than three times more likely to occur in men than in women, with the risk for men being 1 in 27 and 1 in 84 for women.

Martha Jefferson's five-year survival rate for bladder cancer is superior to state and national averages.

Nearly 90% of people with bladder cancer are age 55 or older.

Signs and Symptoms
Bladder cancer is almost always first detected by bloody urine, though there may also be some changes in bladder habits or other irritative symptoms.

These symptoms can often be attributed to a cause other than cancer. However, if you do experience these symptoms, it is important to consult your physician.

 

How is it diagnosed?
After performing a physical exam, your physician may order additional tests to diagnose bladder cancer, including:

  • Cytoscopy
  • Lab tests, such as urinalysis or urine culture
  • Biopsy
  • Imaging tests, including intravenous pyelogram, retrograde pyleography, x-ray, CT, MRI or ultrasound

How is it treated?
There are a number of treatments that your physicians may choose to treat bladder cancer. They are often used in tandem with one another. Among the treatment options they may offer are:

  • Surgery
  • Intravesical therapy
  • Radiation treatments
  • Immunotherapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Clinical trials for eligible patients

Where can I get more information?
You should be sure to ask your doctors for their assessment and recommendations for your particular disease. For more information online, we recommend the following websites:

American Cancer Society National Cancer Institute