WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is bladder cancer? Bladder cancer starts in the cells that line your bladder. What increases my risk for bladder cancer? - Smoking cigarettes
- Age older than 60
- Exposure to certain chemicals found in paint, dyes, rubber, plastic, metal, and automobile exhaust
- Exposure to arsenic in drinking water or food
- A family history of bladder cancer
- Chronic bladder irritation or inflammation from urinary catheters or frequent urinary tract infections
- Eating large amounts of high-fat foods or red meats
What are the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer? - Blood in your urine or urine that is pink or orange
- A sudden need to urinate, or urinating more often than usual
- Trouble starting the stream of urine or urinating very little
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Pain in your abdomen or pelvis
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired or weak
How is bladder cancer diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will examine you. He may insert a gloved finger into your rectum and feel your bladder. You may need any of the following: - A urine sample is checked for blood, an infection, or abnormal cells.
- X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI pictures may show the tumor size and location. The pictures may also show if the cancer has spread to other places in your body. You may be given contrast liquid to help the bladder, kidneys, and ureters show up better in pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- Cystoscopy is a procedure used to look inside the bladder.
- A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from your bladder. The tissue is sent to the lab and tested for cancer.
How is bladder cancer treated? - Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is a procedure used to remove the tumor. Bladder muscle near the tumor may also be removed. This procedure is done by inserting tools through your urethra and into your bladder.
- Immunotherapy is medicine given to help your immune system kill cancer cells. It is injected into your vein or directly into your bladder.
- Chemotherapy is medicine given to kill cancer cells. It may be given to you as a pill or an injection into your vein or muscle. It may also be injected directly into your bladder.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-ray beams to kill cancer cells.
- Surgery may be needed to remove your bladder. Surrounding organs and lymph nodes may also be removed.
What can I do to care for myself? - Do not smoke. Nicotine can damage blood vessels and make it hard to manage your bladder cancer. Smoking also increases your risk for new or returning cancer. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol. Alcohol may cause you to become dehydrated. Ask your oncologist if it is safe for you to drink alcohol, and how much is safe to drink.
- Eat healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you eat less red meat. You need to eat enough calories to help prevent weight loss and increase your energy level. You also need protein to give you strength. If you do not feel hungry, eat small amounts often instead of large meals.
- Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink more liquids than usual to prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Exercise as directed. Exercise may help increase your energy level and appetite. Ask your healthcare provider how much exercise you need and which exercises are best for you.
Where can I find more information and support? It may be difficult for you and your family to go through cancer and cancer treatments. Join a support group or talk with others who have gone through treatment. - American Cancer Society
250 Williams Street
Atlanta , GA 30303
Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345
Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
- National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 300
Bethesda , MD 20892-8322
Phone: 1- 800 - 422-6237
Web Address: http://www.cancer.gov
Call 911 for any of the following: - You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
- You cough up blood.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You are unable to urinate.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- You vomit and cannot keep any liquids or food down.
- You have new or worsening pain.
- Your pain gets worse or does not go away after you take pain medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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