Bladder Cancer begins as an abnormal cell type of any of the different cells present in the bladder. Such cells do not grow like regular cell and can infect nearby cells, thus forming a tumour.
The month of May is known for its awareness of Bladder Cancer. It is indicated by a Marigold-Blue-Purple coloured ribbon.
Medication Information for treating Bladder Cancer
Types of Bladder Cancer
The type of bladder cancer depends on the cell type that is showing abnormal growth patterns. Hence, the treatment for the different types of bladder cancers also may vary.
The different types of cells in the bladder cancers are:
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma begins as an abnormality in the cells that make up the glands in the bladder that secrete mucus. It is a rare type of cancer around the world. Squamous cell carcinoma
This cancer can form as a result of long-term chronic irritation of the bladder (infections, use of a urinary catheter). Squamous cell carcinoma is generally diagnosed in the parts of the world where parasitic infections like schistosomiasis is a common cause behind bladder infections.
Urothelial carcinoma
Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer that develops in the urothelial cells that form the internal lining of the bladder.
Other types of bladder cancers may include more than one type of cell but are rare.
Key Statistics
• It is estimated that in 2019, there will be more than 80,000 new cases of bladder cancer and estimated 18,000 bladder cancer deaths.
• Bladder cancer is the 4th most cancer type in men but less common in women
• Bladder cancer is often diagnosed in older people over the age of 55 years.
• On an average, there is a 1 in 29 chance for a man to have bladder cancer and a 1 in 89 chance for a woman to have bladder cancer
• 90-95% bladder cancer cases are Urothelial carcinoma
Different extent of bladder cancer at the time of diagnosis
About 50% of the bladder cancer cases are diagnosed while the tumour is still in the inner lining of the bladder. Around 33% of the cases involve the tumour already spread to deeper layers but are still contained in the bladder at the time of the diagnosis. The remaining cases involve cancer that has spread outside the bladder to nearby tissues or lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis. Some rare cases may even involve cancer to be spread to distant parts of the body.
Symptoms
The below-mentioned symptoms may or may not mean that a person has bladder cancer. It is recommended to get a professional opinion from a doctor if any of the symptoms are a cause for concern.
The most common symptoms of bladder cancer are
• Blood or blood clots in the urine.
• Increased urination
• Inability to urinate
• Pain in the lower back
• Pain while urinating
Risk Factors
The following risk factors are likely to contribute towards the formation of cancerous tumours in the bladder:
Race
It has been observed that white people are more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer than any other race such as African-Americans or Hispanics or Asians. However, African-Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with an advanced form of this cancer that has a lower survivability rate.
Smoking
Smokers are 2-4 times more at risk of developing bladder cancer as compared to non-smokers. Half the cases in men and one third the cases in women with bladder cancer are likely to have been caused by smoking.
Gender
Men have found to be 4 times more at risk of developing bladder cancer than women. Bladder cancer is also the 4th most common cancer type in men.
Exposure to Chemicals
Exposure to industrial chemicals like dyes is linked to increasing the chances of developing bladder cancer.
Arsenic is a water contaminant that can potentially increase the risk of bladder cancer.
Age
Bladder cancer is often diagnosed in older people over the age of 55 years.
Family History
If a close family member (father, mother, brother, sister, son or daughter) has bladder cancer, it is also likely that you are at a greater risk of developing the same.
