Bladder Cancer Awareness Month: Knowing the Warning Signs

What this observance is

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, observed in May, brings attention to a common cancer that often does not get talked about. A key goal is helping people recognize warning signs, especially blood in the urine, that are easy to dismiss.

What this cancer is

The National Cancer Institute explains that bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder, the hollow organ that stores urine, begin to grow without control. Almost all bladder cancers are urothelial carcinomas (also called transitional cell carcinomas), which begin in the urothelial cells that line the bladder. Other types, such as squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, are rare. NCI also describes bladder cancer as non-muscle-invasive (not yet reaching the muscle wall) or muscle-invasive; most bladder cancers are non-muscle-invasive.

Screening & prevention (per NCI)

NCI's causes and risk factors page names tobacco use, especially cigarette smoking, as a major risk factor: harmful chemicals from tobacco collect in the urine and can damage the DNA of cells lining the bladder. Other risk factors NCI lists include a family history of bladder cancer, certain gene changes, workplace exposure to paints, dyes, metals, or petroleum products, past pelvic radiation or certain anticancer drugs, and drinking water with high levels of arsenic. NCI notes that some risk factors, like tobacco use, can be changed, which is why quitting is emphasized. On screening, NCI states there is no standard screening test for bladder cancer in people at average risk. Certain tests, such as a hematuria (blood in urine) test, urine cytology, urine tumor marker tests, and cystoscopy, may be used for people who have had bladder cancer before or who are at increased risk. NCI also explains that screening tests carry risks, including false-positive and false-negative results. See the NCI links for details.

How to take part

• If you use tobacco, ask a healthcare professional about ways to quit.
• Do not ignore blood in the urine; NCI lists it among warning signs worth checking, even though it is often caused by less serious conditions.
• If your work involves certain chemicals, learn about workplace safety measures.
• Share accurate information about a cancer that is not often discussed.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• Given my history, what are my risk factors for bladder cancer?
• I noticed blood in my urine, or another change; what should I do?
• Am I someone for whom bladder cancer screening might be considered?
• What help is available if I want to stop using tobacco?