Bladder Cancer

Q1: Is bladder cancer usually curable? 

Bladder cancer can often be treated successfully, especially when detected early. The likelihood of a cure depends on several factors, including: 

1. Stage of the Cancer: Early-stage bladder cancers (such as superficial or non-invasive types) are more likely to be curable. Advanced stages, where the cancer has invaded deeper layers or spread to other organs, can be more challenging to treat. 
2. Type of Bladder Cancer: The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma, which can vary in aggressiveness. Other less common types may have different prognoses. 
3. Treatment Options which may include: 
• Surgery: Removing the tumour (transurethral resection) or the entire bladder (cystectomy). 
• Chemotherapy: Can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) to kill remaining cancer cells. 
• Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system fight the cancer. 
• Radiation Therapy: Sometimes used, especially if surgery is not an option for the patient 
4. The patient’s overall health, age, and response to treatment also play significant roles in the likelihood of successful treatment. 

Q2: What is the expected life expectancy for someone diagnosed with bladder cancer? 

The life expectancy for someone diagnosed with bladder cancer varies based on several factors, including the stage of cancer at diagnosis, the specific type of bladder cancer, the patient's overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. 

General statistics indicated that for early-stage bladder cancer (localised or non-invasive), the 5-year survival rate can be around 70% to 90%. Many people with early stage bladder cancer can be effectively treated and remain cancer-free. 

For more advanced stages of bladder cancer (muscle-invasive or metastatic), the 5-year survival rate drops significantly to about 30% to 60%, depending on how far the cancer has spread. 

Q3: What are the first signs and symptoms of bladder cancer? 

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, painful urination and pelvic pain. The symptoms of bladder cancer are often mistaken for those of a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, therefore individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention so that the doctor can investigate the cause of the symptoms. 

Q4: How aggressive is bladder cancer? 

Bladder cancer can vary in aggressiveness, influenced by several factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the specific type of bladder cancer, the patient’s overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.