There is no recommended screening protocol for bladder cancer in low-risk individuals. Screening is the process of testing for cancer despite the absence of symptoms. Currently, screening has not shown any advantages for people who are not at very high risk for bladder cancer. People are considered at very high risk for bladder cancer if they:
The average age for bladder cancer diagnosis is 73, although it is still possible to have it at a much younger age. Bladder cancer is more common in males than females.
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Lifestyle risk factors can also impact your likelihood of getting bladder cancer. Smoking is one of the primary risk factors, with smokers being 3 times more likely to develop bladder cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Workplace chemical exposure, especially in dye factories where chemicals called aromatic amines, such as beta-naphthylamine and benzidine are used, can also greatly increase bladder cancer risk. Other occupations that use organic chemicals which can cause bladder cancer are:
The diabetes medication known as pioglitazone is also known to increase the risk of bladder cancer, especially when the diabetes is advanced, and more doses need to be taken. Food supplements that contain aristolochic acid are also linked to the development of bladder cancer.
Dehydration and poor hydration habits can also worsen bladder cancer or increase the chances of its development because it leaves the bladder empty and allows chemicals to linger. Arsenic poisoning in the water supply, common in third-world countries, may also lead to an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Some risk factors cannot be changed. They may be inherent to one’s race, ethnicity, or genetic conditions.
Age and sex are factors that one cannot do anything about. Men are more vulnerable to bladder cancer compared to women. Older men, especially those aged 55 and above, are more susceptible to it.
Race and ethnicity is also a factor for bladder cancer risk. According to the NIH, White people are almost twice as likely to develop bladder cancer compared to African Americans and Hispanics, while Indians and Asians are less likely to develop bladder cancer.
The risk of developing bladder cancer can also be increased by genetic mutations passed down in the family. The presence of GST and NST genes may make it harder for your body to break down toxins, which can increase susceptibility. The RB1 mutation, Cowden’s disease, and Lynch syndrome are all heritable conditions that could put you at a greater risk of developing bladder cancer. If you have a family history of bladder cancer, you need to inform your doctor so that testing can be conducted earlier.
Birth defects in the bladder can also lead to an increased risk of bladder cancer. The belly button has a part called the 'urachus' that connects to the bladder. If this connection remains after birth, it could develop into cancer. A birth abnormality called 'exstrophy, where the abdominal wall in front of the bladder and the bladder itself do not fully close, may also lead to an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Previous cancer treatment in the bladder, kidney, ureter, and urethra, whether for bladder cancer, any type of cancer, or other diseases, especially when involving radiation therapy, could also increase the risk of bladder cancer development. The chemotherapy drug ‘cyclophosphamide’, when taken too much, can also increase bladder cancer risk.
Your doctor will get your medical history and ask about your symptoms, risk factors, and family history. A physical exam can reveal signs of bladder cancer. Your doctor may do a digital rectal exam to feel for a bladder tumor and determine its size and spread. For women, the doctor will do a pelvic exam. If anything abnormal is found, you may need lab tests and be referred to a urologist, a specialist in urinary system diseases, for more specialized tests and treatment.
The urinalysis is the standard primary urine test that is done to check for any blood in the urine. Sometimes, blood may not be enough to discolor the urine significantly, especially if the bladder cancer is in the early stages. A urinalysis will reveal if there is blood in the urine and will indicate if further testing may be necessary.
Cytology involves taking urine samples and bladder washings and examining them under the microscope for the presence of cancer or precancer cells. It is not completely accurate, however, and a negative cytology result does not mean that you are cancer-free.
This test is not for cancer, but it can detect if your urinary problems are caused by infections, which are also common causes. The urine will be placed in a petri dish in the laboratory and allowed to develop a culture, which will then be examined by the doctor to spot any bacteria that may be causing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
These special tests look for specific substances that are made by bladder cancer cells. They are more effective in detecting bladder cancer that has returned after treatment. These tests are:
Cystoscopy is widely considered the best way to diagnose bladder cancer. A urologist will use a long, thin, flexible tube called a cystoscope, which has a light and a video camera at the end. This tube is inserted through your urethra to see inside the bladder and spot any potential cancerous tumors. Sedation under general anesthesia may be done, especially since this is a highly uncomfortable medical procedure.
If you or a loved one suffered from a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis for your bladder cancer, contact us at 833-PORTER9, or e-mail us at info@porterlawteam.com to discuss the details of our experience representing other clients and the results we were able to obtain in the past for clients who are suffering as you are. In many ways, our results speak for themselves, and we will stand ready to help you and your family in your time of greatest need.
