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Bladder Cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Kidneys Urinary System

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer, the sixth most common cancer in the United States, begins in the bladder lining and can often be identified by symptoms such as blood in the urine.

Overview

The bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. Bladder cancer occurs in the lining of the bladder.

Symptoms

  • Blood in your urine
  • A frequent urge to urinate
  • Pain when you urinate
  • Low back pain

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing bladder cancer include smoking and exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace. People with a family history of bladder cancer or who are older, White, or male have a higher risk.

Treatment & Management

Treatments for bladder cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biologic therapy. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, bladder cancer has a high rate of recurrence, particularly in the early stages. Even after the tumor is removed, new tumors can develop in the remaining bladder lining. Surveillance typically involves regular cystoscopies, where a doctor uses a small camera to examine the bladder, along with urine cytology tests to check for abnormal cells. The frequency of these tests depends on the risk of recurrence and may range from every three months to once a year.
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is confined to the inner lining of the bladder and is generally easier to treat with local therapies like transurethral resection and intravesical therapy. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer has penetrated into the muscle wall, which is more aggressive and typically requires a radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder) combined with chemotherapy or radiation. The stage at diagnosis is the single most important factor in determining prognosis and the intensity of the treatment plan.
While no specific diet has been proven to prevent recurrence, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Quitting smoking is the most significant step, as tobacco use is the leading risk factor for both initial development and recurrence. Staying well-hydrated helps dilute urine and reduce the concentration of potential carcinogens in the bladder. Patients should also avoid exposure to occupational chemicals and discuss any new medications or supplements with their oncologist to ensure they do not interfere with their treatment or increase risk.
Recovery from a radical cystectomy usually takes four to six weeks before returning to light activities, but full recovery can take several months. Long-term lifestyle changes depend on the type of urinary diversion performed. If an ileal conduit is created, the patient must wear an external urostomy bag to collect urine. If a neobladder is constructed, the patient may be able to urinate through the urethra, but they will need to practice timed voiding and may experience incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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