What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer, which forms in cells in the lining of the bladder, is the sixth most common type of cancer, affecting an estimated 55,000 people each year. This type of cancer is three times more common in men than in women, and afflicts Caucasians twice as often as African-Americans.

Bladder cancer may be further identified as superficial - confined to the lining of the bladder - or invasive, spreading to nearby organs and lymph nodes.

Bladder cancer is highly treatable when detected early. For this reason, it’s vital to know your risk factors as well as the common symptoms of bladder cancer.

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Other symptoms include:

• Urgent need to urinate
• Frequent urination in small amounts
• Back or abdominal pain
• Painful urination
• Loss of appetite and weight

Risk factors include:

• Smoking - Smokers are two to three times more likely to get bladder cancer than non-smokers
• Chemical exposure - People who work in the rubber, chemical and leather industry show an increased risk, as do printers, painters, textile workers, truck drivers and hairdressers
• Chronic bladder infections
• A diet high in fried meats and fat.
• Being older, male, or white.