University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center Patients Receive Expert Information Regarding Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Many patients with bladder cancer may not have experienced any noticeable symptoms prior to receiving a formal diagnosis from a UH Seidman Cancer Center physician; however, some patients may encounter signs or symptoms including:
- Blood in the urine, which is typically the first warning sign.
- Burning or pain during urination without any evidence of a urinary tract infection.
- Changes in bladder habits, including the feeling of having to urinate more often or a strong urge to urinate without producing much urine.
Individuals experiencing any of the above symptoms, including a change in the color of urine, should contact a UH Seidman Cancer Center physician as soon as possible. Early detection of bladder cancer increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
Bladder Cancer Risk Factors
Potential risk factors for bladder cancer include:
- Cigarette smoking
- Genetics: Research suggests that certain genetic traits cause some people to detoxify cancer causing carcinogens at a slower rate than others, which could possibly increase their risk of developing bladder cancer.
- Occupation: People who work in the textile, printing or paint industries are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer due to exposure to organic chemicals.
- Chronic bladder problems: Some studies suggest that individuals who struggle with long-term bladder problems, like bladder or kidney stones or bladder infections, are more at risk of developing bladder cancer.
- Cyclophosphamide therapy: Individuals who have taken the drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), which is used in the treatment of lymphoma, are at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.