Introduction
“I saw a streak of blood in the toilet. I thought it was nothing. But it kept happening—day after day. When the doctor said, ‘bladder cancer,’ I didn’t cry. I just... froze. All I could think was, why me? Then came the shame, the waiting... like I’d done something wrong.”
—Monika, 36, Delhi.
Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among older adults, with a majority of cases reported in people over 55. According to the GLOBOCAN 2020 database, it is the 17th most common malignancy in India. More prevalent among men than women, its male-to-female occurrence ratio is 4:1 in many urban cancer registries.
Bladder cancer occurs when the abnormal cells in the bladder grow. While bladder cancer symptoms might appear mild in the beginning, ignoring them can cause delayed diagnosis and treatment, leading to more severe outcomes. However, the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and survival rates. The most common early symptoms are blood in the urine, frequent urination, and painful urination.
So, let’s understand the essential information about bladder cancer, including symptoms and treatment options.
What is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the inner lining of the bladder grow uncontrollably, particularly affecting nearby tissues or spreading to other organs. Moreover, the severity of the cancer can vary significantly, ranging from non-invasive forms, in which it affects only the lining of the bladder, to invasive forms, in which it spreads to other parts of the body.
Though its early detection is crucial to make the treatment effective and improve outcomes, maintaining good personal hygiene helps minimise the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can increase the risk of certain types of bladder cancer.
Types of Bladder Cancer
There are several types of bladder cancer based on the cells from which it grows, which include:
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Urothelial Carcinoma:
Also known as transitional cell carcinoma, it is the most common type of bladder cancer. It occurs in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder. Urothelial cells stretch when the bladder stores urine and shrink when the bladder expels urine.
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Squamous Cell
Carcinoma: Also known as squamous cells, this type of cancer starts in the flat, thin cells lining the bladder. It can occur after long-term irritation or infection. Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in certain regions, including Africa and Asia, where schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, is a common cause of chronic bladder infections.
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Adenocarcinoma:
Adenocarcinoma occurs in glandular cells that produce mucus in the bladder. It is a rare type of bladder cancer, found in about 1-2% of all cases.
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Small Cell Carcinoma:
One of the rarest types of bladder cancer, it occurs in neuroendocrine cells that produce hormones. It is an aggressive type of bladder cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all cases.
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Sarcoma:
Sarcoma occurs in the connective tissues of the bladder, such as muscle or fat layers. It is a rare type of cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all bladder cancers.
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Urachal Cancer:
Urachal cancer occurs in the urachus, a fibrous remnant of the umbilical cord, in an advanced stage. Known for its aggressive nature, it is a rare type of bladder cancer, accounting for less than 1% of bladder cancers.
Bladder Cancer Symptoms
Identifying the symptoms of bladder cancer at an early stage is essential for effective treatment, leading to better outcomes. Here are some of its common symptoms, including:
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Blood in the Urine (Haematuria):
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Blood in the urine (also known as haematuria) is the most common symptom of bladder cancer. In this situation, the urine appears pink, red or cola-coloured, but sometimes, the presence of blood is not visible, which can only be spotted through microscopic examination.
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Frequent Urination:
It means you feel a sudden and persistent need to pee more frequently than usual.
Frequent urination can disrupt sleep, drain energy, and increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. If you or your loved one is living with bladder cancer and experiencing urine leaks, we’re here for you. Friends Premium Diaper Pants are designed to manage accidental leaks and support personal hygiene, so every day feels a little more secure and a lot more comfortable.
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Painful Urination:
You may feel discomfort or a burning sensation while urinating or after peeing.
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Lower Back or Pelvic Pain:
You may feel unusual pain in the lower back or pelvic area that may be a sign of advanced stages of bladder cancer.
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Urinary Urgency Without Output:
You may feel a stronger urge to pee even if your bladder is not full.
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Weight Loss and Fatigue:
There are some other general symptoms of bladder cancer, such as weight loss, fatigue and weakness, that occur in more advanced stages.
Bladder Cancer Treatment Options
Bladder cancer treatment options are based on multiple factors, including the stage, grade and type of the cancer, considering your overall well-being and treatment preferences. The options of bladder cancer treatment include:
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Surgery:
Surgery is a common bladder cancer treatment. Healthcare providers opt for the surgical option, considering the cancer stage. They either remove the tumour or burn it by using high-energy electricity, called fulguration.
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Chemotherapy in the Bladder (Intravesical Chemotherapy):
Healthcare providers may use this therapy to treat cancers confined to the bladder’s lining through a tube inserted into the urethra.
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Chemotherapy for the Whole Body (Systemic Chemotherapy):
This therapy is performed to increase the chances of a cure in a person undergoing surgery to remove the bladder. Moreover, it is done as a primary treatment when the surgery option is not involved.
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Radiation Therapy:
An alternative to surgery, this therapy may be performed to destroy cancer cells. After considering tumour growth, healthcare providers often use this as a primary treatment when surgery isn't desired.
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Immunotherapy:
This type of bladder cancer treatment is used to initiate the immune system of the body to fight cancer cells, either in the bladder or all over the body.
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Targeted Therapy:
This therapy generally focuses on the genetic changes and targets cells that help cancer cells grow. It is used to treat an advanced level of cancer when other treatments haven't worked well.
Bladder cancer can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. By identifying the early symptoms, understanding risk factors and taking preventive actions, you can improve outcomes. However, after treatment, regular follow-ups, a healthy lifestyle and good personal hygiene are crucial for managing the disease and minimising the risk of relapse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms and needs extensive care, trust FRIENDS. With highly absorbent urine incontinence products, we are here to support you every step of the way.
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FAQs
Q1. What is the biggest symptom of bladder cancer?
Ans. Bladder cancer symptoms vary from person to person. However, the most common and biggest symptom is blood in the urine, also known as haematuria.
Q2. How does bladder cancer affect urination?
Ans. Bladder cancer significantly affects urination, making certain changes, such as pain or burning during urination, more frequent urination, a stronger urge to urinate even if your bladder is not full, and blood in the urine.
Q3. Who is at the highest risk of developing bladder cancer?
Ans. People who smoke are at the highest risk of developing bladder cancer, as tobacco contains harmful carcinogens that enter the bloodstream and affect the bladder. Other risk factors include advancing age, prolonged exposure to certain industrial chemicals (such as those used in dye, rubber, and leather industries), a family history of cancer, and chronic bladder inflammation or infections.
Q4. Is blood in the urine always a symptom of bladder cancer?
Ans. Blood in the urine is not always a symptom of bladder cancer. Though it is a common sign of bladder cancer, other medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTI) and kidney stones, can also cause haematuria.
Q5. Can natural remedies help manage symptoms?
Ans. Only natural remedies cannot help manage bladder cancer symptoms. However, maintaining good personal hygiene, along with available medical treatment, helps minimise the risk of urinary tract infections which can contribute to bladder cancer.
