What Is It?
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. It is one of the most common cancers of the urinary system, and it typically affects people over the age of 60. It’s more common in men than women.
Bladder cancer is often found early, when it’s highly treatable — but it can sometimes come back, so ongoing monitoring is important.
What Causes Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer happens when the cells in the bladder grow abnormally and form a tumour. While the exact cause isn’t always known, several risk factors can increase your chances:
- Smoking – the biggest risk factor; harmful chemicals from tobacco are filtered into the urine
- Exposure to certain chemicals – especially in jobs involving dyes, rubber, leather, or industrial chemicals
- Long-term bladder irritation – from repeated infections, bladder stones, or catheters
- Family history or certain inherited gene changes (less common)
- Previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy to the pelvis
Common Symptoms
The most common early sign of bladder cancer is:
- Blood in the urine (haematuria) – often painless and may come and go
Other possible symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Urgency – needing to pass urine suddenly
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Lower abdominal or back pain (less common)
These symptoms can also be caused by other bladder conditions, so it’s important to get checked.
How Is It Diagnosed?
If bladder cancer is suspected, your doctor may recommend:
- Urine tests – to look for blood, infection, or abnormal cells
- Flexible cystoscopy – a thin camera is passed into the bladder to check for abnormal areas
- CT urogram – a scan of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder
- TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour) – a procedure to remove the tumour and confirm the diagnosis
Types of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is often classified as:
- Non-muscle invasive – cancer is confined to the inner lining of the bladder; usually easier to treat
- Muscle-invasive – cancer has spread into the muscle wall; may require more intensive treatment
- Advanced or metastatic – cancer has spread to other parts of the body
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on the type, stage, and grade of the cancer:
- Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
- TURBT (tumour removal via the urethra)
- Intravesical therapy – such as BCG (a special treatment placed directly into the bladder)
- Muscle-invasive bladder cancer
- Radical cystectomy – surgery to remove the bladder
- Radiotherapy – often combined with chemotherapy
- Reconstruction – building a new way to store and pass urine, if the bladder is removed
- Advanced bladder cancer
- May be treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy to help control symptoms and slow spread
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Bladder cancer, especially non-muscle invasive types, has a tendency to return. Regular cystoscopies and check-upsare essential to monitor for recurrence and treat it early if needed.
When to See a Health professional
If you notice blood in your urine — even once — or have persistent urinary symptoms, see your GP or urologist. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in treatment success.