Bladder cancer has a higher prevalence and mortality rate than often recognized. The American Cancer Society estimates 84,000 Americans will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2025, with about 17,420 people dying from the disease. While not all patients have symptoms, most present with intermittent, painless blood in the urine.

“Advancements in the management of bladder cancer are transforming cancer diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. With innovative and continuously advancing surgical, intravesical and systemic treatments, we can now deliver more precise and effective care for bladder cancer than ever before,” said Jonathan Silberstein, MD, chief, Urology/Oncology Program at Memorial Healthcare System.

Bladder cancer is primarily linked to environmental exposures, such as tobacco use and specific occupational exposures. Additionally, individuals with a history of receiving certain chemotherapy or radiation treatments are at an elevated risk compared to the general population.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. It’s important to seek medical attention if anyone experiences these symptoms.

• Blood in the urine (hematuria): Often the first sign, appearing as pink, red or dark-colored urine.
• Frequent urination or urgency: A constant need to urinate, even when the bladder is not full.
• Pain or burning sensation during urination.
• Lower back or pelvic pain: Typically seen in more advanced stages.

Diagnosing Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is usually diagnosed using a combination of urine tests, imaging studies, and cystoscopy, a procedure in which a thin tube is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder.

Treating Bladder Cancer

Memorial Healthcare System is among the most experienced programs in the country, with exceptional safety standards and outstanding patient outcomes.

• Intravesical Therapies (washing of the bladder): Patients with certain bladder tumors may require bladder instillations - washing the inside of the bladder with medications such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy.
• Systemic Chemotherapy: Effective in treating specific patient populations with bladder cancer.
• Targeted Therapy: Precision treatments attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Robotic-assisted surgeries enable precise tumor removal and faster recovery.
• Advanced Radiation Therapy: Techniques like Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) focus on tumors while preserving healthy tissue.
• Genetic Profiling: Enables more efficient personalization and targeted treatment.
• Clinical Trials: Novel treatments are being investigated to offer the latest advancements in care.

To learn more, contact Memorial Division of Urology at 305-682-2580.