Signs/Symptoms/Risk Factors of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, with an estimated 81,190 new cases each year, according to the American Cancer Society. While it’s the 6^th most diagnosed common cancer, men are 3 to 4 times more likely to be diagnosed than women.

When caught at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is 70 percent.

Do you know what to look for?

Signs

Blood in the urine
Painful urination
Urgent need to urinate
Feeling the need (but not being able) to pass urine

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Lower back pain
Appetite or weight loss Symptoms

Risk Factors

Smoking: Smoking is the greatest risk factor. Smokers get bladder cancer twice as often as people who don’t smoke. Get tips on Smoking Cessation
Chemical Exposure: Some chemicals used in the making of dye have been linked to bladder cancer. People who work with chemicals called aromatic amines may have higher risk. These chemicals are used in making rubber, leather, printing materials, textiles and paint products.
Race: Caucasians are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as are African Americans or Hispanics. Asians have the lowest rate of bladder cancer.
Age: The risk of bladder cancer increases as you get older.
Gender: While men get bladder cancer more often than women, recent statistics show an increase in the number of women being diagnosed with the disease. Unfortunately, because the symptoms of bladder cancer are similar to those of other gynecologic and urinary diseases affecting women, women may be diagnosed when their disease is at a more advanced stage.
Chronic bladder inflammation: Urinary infections, kidney stones and bladder stones don’t cause bladder cancer, but they have been linked to it.
Personal history of bladder cancer: People who have had bladder cancer have a higher chance of getting another tumor in their urinary system. People whose family members have had bladder cancer may also have a higher risk.
Birth defects of the bladder: Very rarely, a connection between the belly button and the bladder doesn’t disappear as it should before birth and can become cancerous.
Arsenic: Arsenic in drinking water has been linked to a higher risk of bladder cancer. Learn more about water pollutants and bladder cancer.
Earlier Treatment: Some drugs (in particular Cytoxan/cyclophosphamide) or radiation used to treat other cancers can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Some drugs (in particular Cytoxan/cyclophosphamide) or radiation used to treat other cancers can increase the risk of bladder cancer.