Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the bladder grow in an uncontrolled way.¹ The bladder is a small organ located in the pelvis that stores urine.¹

Superficial bladder cancers only affect the inside lining of the bladder, whilst invasive bladder cancers occur when the cancer spreads into the muscle wall of the bladder, or into other areas of the body.^1,2

To diagnose bladder cancer, doctors will assess symptoms, perform a physical examination, and run some tests. Tests may include:^1,2

• Urine tests – also called a urinalysis, this test looks for blood in the urine or infection in the bladder, and urine may be examined under a microscope
• Cystoscopy – a thin tube with a camera on the end (called a cystoscope) is passed through the urethra to see inside the bladder; this procedure is done under local or general anaesthetic
• Biopsy – during a cystoscopy, a small amount of tissue may be removed and examined under a microscope for signs of cancer
• Imaging scans – ultrasound, x-ray, computerised tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to help detect bladder cancer or assess if it has spread; some imaging may involve injecting dye into a vein to help show up the areas of interest

Treatment for bladder cancer depends on a range of factors including the type, stage, and severity of cancer, as well as the patient’s general health, age, and personal preferences.² Treatment options may include:^1,2

• Chemotherapy – this treatment uses medications, usually given by injection or tablet, to help kill cancer cells or slow their growth and spread; chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments
• Immunotherapy – this treatment helps a patient’s own immune system fight the cancer, with different types of immunotherapies that work in different ways used to treat different cancers
• Radiation therapy – this treatment uses a controlled dose of radiation, usually in the form of high energy x-rays, to help kill cancer cells or slow their growth and spread
• Surgery –  this treatment aims to remove the cancer and is considered the main treatment for bladder cancer; surgery may also be used to create a new way for the body to store and pass urine (called urinary diversion)

Side effects of cancer treatment

All cancer treatments may have side effects. The type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals.¹ You can ask your doctor for detailed information about the side effects which you may experience with any treatment recommended for you.

Recommendations to help you stay well during treatment

• Get as much rest as possible³
• Aim for a wholefood, varied diet, and we also encourage you to think about eating foods that interest you rather than what you think you should eat³
• Appetite changes are common, and you may experience taste changes or nausea. Help manage this by eating small, frequent snacks and avoiding smells that make you nauseous³
• Drink lots of water³
• Reach out to support groups and others who have had cancer treatment³
• Record your side effects in a diary or journal³
• Speak to your doctor about incorporating some gentle exercise into your weekly routine³
• It is important to acknowledge when you are fatigued and rest when you need to³
• Ask for and accept help from family, friends and neighbours³
• Be open with employers about your treatment and discuss flexible working options if you need them

A cancer diagnosis can be life changing. Even before your initial encounter with the GenesisCare team, you may experience a wave of emotions. It’s natural to feel disbelief, anxiety, sadness, anger and loneliness. We strive to help strengthen your confidence, settle your emotions, and to create care experiences that offer the best possible clinical outcomes.

Our care team aim to know your name and to get to know who you are as a person. Your nursing team and oncology team are here to support you before, during and after your cancer treatment. We are here to guide you and to help get the support you need which may include a psychologist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian.

If you have any enquiries about our centres or services, please contact your local centre team. View a list of our centres here.

Other information, resources and support services are available to assist you during your cancer journey.

These include: