Bladder cancer
Over 10,000 people develop bladder cancer each year in the UK and it affects more men than women. Most bladder cancers only affect the lining of the bladder. However, if it is not diagnosed and treated it may spread deeper into the muscle of the bladder wall.
About the bladder
The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ which collects and stores urine. Urine is made up of water and waste products not needed by the body. Our kidneys produce urine which passes into the bladder through two tubes called ureters. A tube called the urethra carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
In women, the urethra is very short. In men, it is much longer and passes through the prostate gland and penis before leaving the body.
Causes of bladder cancer
The exact cause of bladder cancer is unknown, although it is more common in smokers than non-smokers.
In industries such as dye and rubber manufacturing, particular chemicals called arylamines are used which are known to cause bladder cancer. If workers or ex-workers from these industries develop bladder cancer, it's recognised as an industrial disease.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer may include the following:
- blood in the urine
- pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
- needing to pass urine more frequently
- feeling an urgent need to pass urine
Blood in the urine (haematuria) is the most common symptom of bladder cancer but you may not notice it every day. If you find blood in your urine, it is important to make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss this. Blood in the urine can be a symptom of a range of medical conditions and could indicate a bladder infection or kidney/bladder stones.