The German Cancer Aid Association has highlighted some signs that warn of bladder cancer, the most prominent of which is the presence of blood in the urine, along with an increased urge to urinate with pressure on the bladder.
Additional indicators include sudden general changes in the urination process, such as frequent urination and pain during urination.
The association explained that the causes and risk factors leading to bladder cancer include smoking and chronic bladder infections. It noted that bladder cancer can be diagnosed through urine tests and biopsies, as well as imaging procedures such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays.
Treatment Options
The association emphasised that the earlier bladder cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery. If the disease is detected in its early stages, small tumours can usually be removed through cystoscopy, leading to great chances of recovery.
However, if the tumour has spread to the muscle layer, the bladder should not only be removed but also adjacent organs and lymph nodes. For men, this often includes the removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles, while for women, it involves the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
