Bladder Cancer is often suspected where there is a finding of blood in the urine.  Although the blood could be a result of kidney, prostate or urinary problems, bladder cancer produces very few signs in the early stages.  Other symptoms of bladder cancer might include a frequent urge to urinate, pain when urinating and low back pain.  However, blood in the urine is typically the first sign that the cells lining the bladder have gone astray and started forming a mass of cells called a tumor.  Some tumors may stay confined to the inside lining of the bladder (carcinoma in situ), and others will grow rapidly (malignant) outside the bladder, effecting crucial organs such as the liver or lungs.  Regardless of whether the bladder cancer is in situ or malignant, its toll on the mind and body will have life-changing effects.

The American Cancer Society estimates more than 61,000 people a year will be diagnosed with bladder cancer.  Fortunately, most cases are caught before the invasive cells grow outside the bladder wall.  A procedure called Transurethral Resection (TUR) rids the bladder of the dangerous cells by removing the cancer with a small wire loop while burning any remaining bad remaining cells off with electric current or high energy laser.  However, even after this procedure it is important to have a cystoscopic exam every three to six months since the reoccurrence of bladder cancer are very high.

The causes for bladder cancer are unknown.  Some theories lean towards genetics, others contribute it to risk factors such as smoking and inhaling harmful industrial chemicals.  Frequent bladder infections are also believed to be a risk factor.  The average age of diagnosis for bladder cancer is between 68 and 69. 

For about 20% of the people diagnosed with bladder cancer, the cancer has already grown through the bladder walls, and more invasive and radical techniques are used to conquer its wrath.  A cycstectomy removes either a whole or part of the bladder, and a new one is reconstructed.  The removal of the bladder often includes removal of sexual organs.  For men, who are diagnosed with bladder cancer four times more often then women, the removal may include the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, and a portion of the vas deferens (a conduit for sperm).  For women, the procedure might entail removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes and part of the vagina.  Removing the bladder results in a change in your urination and your sexuality.  Relationships are put to the test.  Radiation and Chemotherapy treatments are used after surgery.
 
Scheduling surgery for bladder cancer is a matter of life and death.  A 2006 study published in the Journal of Urology found that delaying surgery after 3 months from diagnosis increased the death rate among bladder cancer patients. Most delays were a result of scheduling problems.  To avoid the loss of this important organ, get tested for bladder cancer early and don't delay treatment.  Get the support you need for this life-changing cancer.