Risk Factors
- Using tobacco, especially smoking cigarettes.
- Having a family history of bladder cancer.
- Having certain gene changes linked to bladder cancer.
- Being exposed to certain chemicals in the workplace.
- Past treatment with certain anticancer drugs or radiation therapy to the pelvis.
- Drinking well water that has high levels of arsenic.
- Drinking water that has been treated with chlorine.
- Having a history of bladder infections.
- Using urinary catheters for a long time.
Making a diagnosis of bladder cancer may involve different approaches. The following tests and procedures may be used:
- Physical exam and history: The specialist carefully examines the patient’s past illnesses and treatments, and any signs of disease, or abnormalities.
- Digital rectal or vaginal exam: The doctor or nurse inserts a gloved finger into the rectum or vagina to check for lumps or abnormal areas.
- Urinalysis: This test looks at a urine sample for its color and content, such as sugar, protein, red and white blood cells.
- Urine cytology: A urine sample is examined under a microscope for abnormal cells.
- Cystoscopy: A cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to check for abnormal areas. The thin, tube-like instrument has a light and a lens for viewing, and may also have a tool to remove (biopsy) suspicious tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): A contrast dye is injected into a vein and a series of x-rays are taken of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to find out if cancer is present in these organs. As the contrast dye moves through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, x-rays can also visualize any blockages.
After bladder cancer has been diagnosed, additional tests may be done to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. However, staging tests may not be done unless the patient has symptoms or signs that the cancer has spread.
The power of healthy living is hard to overestimate. A large percentage of cancers and many other chronic diseases can be prevented by things like eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, keeping weight in check, and getting important screening tests.
The best part? These are things under your control. Take some simple steps to improve your health, and help your family do the same.
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