Bladder Cancer: Facts, Figures, and Statistics You Must Know

What is Bladder Cancer?

The bladder is an organ located near the pelvis in your lower abdomen. Its primary function is to store urine collected from the kidneys until it is expelled from the body through urination. 

Cancer is caused by the rampant growth of abnormal cells in the body. This could further lead to tumor formation or malignant growth in any part of the body. Bladder cancer is a form of cancer that arises in the urinary bladder. Urologists are the doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and bladder cancer treatment of patients.

Common Symptoms Include

• Traces of blood in the urine
• Pain during urination
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Frequent urination
• Irritation experienced in the bladder

The above symptoms could also occur due to other causes. Hence, accurate and timely diagnosis is vital for treating this disease. With proper treatment, followed by healthy lifestyle choices, patients can live normal lives.

Research From Some of the Best Cancer Hospitals Found the Following to Be the Most Prevalent Causes of Bladder Cancer

• Tobacco Smoking 
• A family history of bladder cancer
• Certain gene mutations you might have
• Exposure to certain toxic chemicals in your workplace
• Consumption of opium
• Consumption of certain chemotherapy drugs
• Intake of arsenic-contaminated water
• Chronic urinary tract infections
• Consumption of aristolochic acid (found in some Chinese herbal medication)

Bladder Cancer Statistics Collected From Some of the Best Cancer Hospitals in the US Found That

1. Bladder cancer has categories like non-muscle invasive (Stage 0, Stage 1), muscle-invasive (Stage 2 and Stage 3), or metastatic (Stage 4). Nearly 70% of all bladder cancers are diagnosed during Stage 0 or Stage 1 (non-muscle invasive).
2. Around 30% are detected during Stage 2, 3, and 4 (muscle-invasive and metastatic)
3. An estimated 20% of Stage 0 or Stage 1 cases can progress to Stage 2 or 3 after the first stage of bladder cancer treatment.
4. Nearly 17,200 deaths (12,260 men and 4,940 women) are expected due to this form of cancer.
5. 47% of the above cases will be caused due to tobacco smoking.
6. Men are four times more likely to be affected by bladder cancer than women.
7. This is the fourth most common form of cancer that affects men.
8. It is the eighth most common form of cancer that causes fatalities among men.
9. Asians won’t be affected much by bladder cancer.
10. It affects older people more often. 73 is the average age of people diagnosed with bladder cancer.
11. On average, nearly 90% of people developing bladder cancer are over the age of 55. 
12. A 1% decline has been observed in bladder cancer cases in the US between 2008 to 2017.
13. Over the years, while this form of cancer has decreased among men, the death rate has not changed much.
14. Among women, the occurrence and death rate has reduced slightly over the years.
15. Compared to men, women have a lower 5-year survival rate.
16. The overall 5-year survival rate figures for people affected by bladder cancer is 77%.
17. For patients where the cancer is contained within the inner layer of the bladder, the 5-year survival rate is estimated to be 96%. Most patients (more than 50%) are diagnosed at this stage.
18. In the case of an invasive tumor that has not spread beyond the bladder, the 5-year survival rate is around 69%. Nearly 33% of patients are diagnosed at this stage.
19. If the cancer spreads through the bladder and affects the surrounding tissue or organs, then a 37%, 5-year survival rate is estimated.
20. In the unfortunate condition of cancer spreading to other distant parts of the body, then a 5-year survival rate of 6% is observed. The percentage of people diagnosed at this stage is about 4%.
21. For patients with Stage 1 and Stage 2 bladder cancer, the 5-year survival rates are 88% and 63%, respectively.

Also Read:- Symptoms of Urinary Bladder Cancer

Steps to reduce your Bladder Cancer Risk (H2)

• Quit smoking and exposure to regular second-hand smoke. Smokers will be as likely to be affected as people who do not smoke.
• Reduce your exposure to carcinogens and chemicals used in the following industries – rubber, chemical, paint, leather, metal, textiles, etc.
• A diet which is plant-based and is rich in fruits and vegetables is known to reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer.

The best cancer hospitals globally advise that prevention is always better than seeking a cure. The same rings true for the bladder cancer treatment. Protecting yourself by leading a healthy life is the path forward.