Bladder Cancer Treatment for Women

Often considered a disease of older men, bladder cancer can indeed strike women. In fact, when women get the disease, they have more advanced tumors and worse prognoses than men. Women’s survival rates lag behind men’s in every stage of bladder cancer. African-American women, in particular, have the most advanced and aggressive tumors. Bladder cancer is treatable, but prompt diagnosis is key.

Blood in the urine is the most common of bladder cancer in women. Do not ignore it or blame it on menstruation or menopause.

Because bladder cancer can be misdiagnosed as simple cystitis, post-menopausal bleeding or as a bladder infection, a diagnosis can be overlooked for a year or more. If symptoms do not disappear after treatment with antibiotics, request further evaluation.

Most bleeding with bladder cancer is painless, but 30 percent of patients experience burning, frequent urination or a sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder when they urinate.

The greatest risk factor is a smoking. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to get bladder cancer as non-smokers.

Bladder cancer can strike women of any age.

See a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.  If you would like to schedule an appointment with a MetroSouth Medical Center physician diagnosing and treating bladder cancer in women, call 708-489-7925.