Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in your bladder — a balloon-shaped organ in your pelvic area that stores urine. Bladder cancer begins most often in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. Bladder cancer typically affects older adults, though it can occur at any age. Majority of bladder cancers are diagnosed at an early stage — when bladder cancer is highly treatable. Early-stage bladder cancer is likely to recur. Bladder cancer survivors often undergo follow-up screening tests for years after treatment.

Common Symptoms Include:

1. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
2. Pain or burning during urination without evidence of UTI ( Urinary Tract Infection )
3. Change in bladder habits, such as having to urinate more often or feeling the strong urge to urinate without producing much urine

Causes:

1. Smoking
2. Chemical exposures at work
3. Diet(People whose diets include large amounts of fried meats and animal fats are thought to be at higher risk of bladder cancer.)
4. Dietary Supplements ( mainly Aristolochia Fangchi)

Treatment:

1. Depends on the type of cancer and its stage.
2. Factors such as your age, your overall health, and whether you have already been treated for the cancer before are included in the treatment decision-making process.
3. The most widely used therapies are surgery radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, either alone or in combination.
4. Immunotherapy, or biological therapy which takes advantage of the body's innate cancer-fighting ability, is used in some cases, especially for patients with stages Ta, T1, and CIS.