Bladder Cancer

Introduction

When bladder cancer is found and treated early, the chances of survival are very good, with an approximate 94% five-year survival rate for early bladder cancer. Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking (causes one-third of bladder cancers), occupational exposure to carcinogens, age, race (Caucasians are at highest risk), age, chronic bladder problems and a history of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer's staging, treatment and prognosis depends on how deeply it has invaded the organ. At diagnosis, 90% of cases are Transitional Cell Carcinomas (in the three outer layers of the organ) within which 75% are superficial. Only 5 to 8% of cases are squamous cell carcinomas that are likely to invade deeper layers, and only 2% are adenocarcinomas, which are very likely to invade deeper layers. Such invasive bladder cancers may spread outside the bladder and affect other organs. Early diagnosis is extremely important in this disease.

Symptoms - such as blood in the urine (hematuria), lower abdominal pain, urinary frequency, bladder irriration, fever and weight loss - can mimic those of common, benign conditions, but hematuria should always raise suspicions until a diagnosis is confirmed.

The choice of treatment for you or your loved one depends on the stage of the disease, the presence of frailty or other medical conditions (given that bladder cancer more commonly affects older people), how aggressive the disease seems to be and the person's preferences. Treatment usually consists of a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy.

Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Bladder Cancer, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the risk factors of Bladder Cancer?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Bladder Cancer research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. Your health matters. Don't leave it to chance. Arm yourself with the most comprehensive, up-to-date research available by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook today. Click here to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Bladder Cancer.