July is National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, and is the perfect time for us to discuss causes, symptoms and prevention tactics for this type of cancer.
Causes
Generally, bladder cancer tends to develop from the cells lining the bladder. These cells can become cancerous and turn into tumors for a number of potential reasons. The following are the main identifiable causes for the development of bladder cancer.
- A chronic bladder infection
- Radiation treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Chemical exposure at work
- Tobacco use
- Limiting your exposure to these factors may greatly decrease your risk of developing bladder cancer.
Symptoms
If bladder cancer does develop, there are many signs and symptoms that will occur. If you experience any of the following, contact your physician immediately to schedule an appointment.
- Urinary urgency
- Urinary frequency
- Urine leakage (incontinence)
- Blood in the urine
- Painful urination
- Abdominal pain
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Expectations
If you are diagnosed and receive treatment for bladder cancer, your physician at Southeastern Medical Oncology Center will continue to closely monitor you. Specifically, there is a range of tests that will be conducted to ensure that treatment is working effectively, and the cancer is not spreading or returning. Bone and CT scans are common procedures to check the status of cancer, as well as the close general monitoring of symptoms that may coincide with bladder cancer, as listed above. A complete blood count may also be necessary to monitor for anemia, as well as bladder exams every 3-6 months after treatment. Of course, your personal physician at Southeastern Medical Oncology Center will discuss these options further with you, if necessary.