Bladder cancer develops as a result of uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the bladder. This disease typically begins in the urothelium, the lining inside the ureter, bladder, urethra and parts of the kidneys. Cancer may also develop in other types of cells in the bladder. The type of bladder cancer depends on which cells and layers are affected.
Approximately 80,470 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2019, and an estimated 17,670 deaths will be due to bladder cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. An estimated nine out of 10 people with bladder cancer are over age 55. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 73.
Common bladder cancer symptoms include blood in the urine, the need to urinate frequently, or feeling the need to urinate without being able to do so, and pain during urination. Men are more likely than women to get bladder cancer.
Risk factors include smoking tobacco, long-term exposure to certain workplace chemicals or carcinogens, such as those used to make rubber, textiles, paint and dyed clothing, as well as a diet high in fat and fried foods, a history of recurrent bladder infections, long-term use of catheters and being over age 60.
Treatment and prognosis depend on the stage and grade of the cancer and the location of the tumor.
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